 by Mark Villamora Metro Manila, Philippines — The Philippine Rugby Football Union (PRFU) has successfully concluded its 2025 World Rugby Training & Education Superweek, reaching 179 coaches and match officials attendance from the Philippines and abroad in a week-long series of courses held from July 19 to 26 at multiple venues across Metro Manila. Despite the disruptions caused by Tropical Storms Emong and Dante, the annual program pushed through, delivering training in three key areas: Strength & Conditioning, 7s Coaching, and Match Officiating. The initiative aims to expand the country’s technical rugby workforce and provide clubs with qualified personnel to drive the sport’s growth at both grassroots and competitive levels. The event featured top World Rugby-certified trainers and educators, including Hilton Soberano, Lewis Chua, Samantha Scott Feausi, and Leo Chuan, along with PRFU President and World Rugby Executive Board Member Ada Milby. They were joined by experienced international experts such as Doug Shearer, Harry Wang, Damon Freeman, and Madille Salinas. Strength & Conditioning courses were conducted at the Privato Hotel in Ortigas, with Coach Soberano leading Level 1 and Coach Chua heading Level 2. Participants included representatives from clubs across the Philippines, Sri Lanka’s Vihanga Pivithuru Fernando, and Hong Kong’s Katrina Rosyzynski.
In 7s Coaching, Women’s Volcanoes Head Coach Scott-Feausi and PRFU President Milby conducted both Level 1 and Level 2 programs, assisted by Coach Maggie Royo of the Cebu Dragons. Attendees included players from the Pass It Back youth program.  Photo op after the successful Day 1 of the 7s Coaching Course, held at Privato Hotel in Ortigas on July 19. The Match Officiating segment, led by Coach Chuan, took place in multiple venues including the Philippine Sports Commission and JML Basketball Center. Level 1 was held on July 23, followed by Level 2 from July 24 to 26. Notable facilitators included Shearer, Wang, Freeman, and Salinas, with practical sessions held at the Philsports Ultra Complex.  Photo opportunity after a successful 3-day Match Officiating course held amid a typhoon, featuring Coach Momo—injured left leg—at the center, alongside the participating coaches and match officials. The week-long program successfully produced a total of 179 certified individuals across various rugby-related disciplines. Participants underwent rigorous training and accreditation in Strength & Conditioning, 7s Coaching, and Match Officiating, ensuring they met the standards set by World Rugby. Attendance figures for each course and level are detailed below:  The 2025 World Rugby Superweek was supported by the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Olympic Solidarity Fund. PRFU officials expressed optimism that the newly certified coaches and officials will help strengthen rugby development efforts nationwide.
PRFU President Ada Milby emphasized the long-term vision of the program, saying, “These newly certified coaches and officials represent a powerful multiplier for the sport. Every one of them has the potential to shape not just players, but whole communities. By investing in local capacity, we’re building a stronger foundation for rugby’s growth in the Philippines — one that’s more inclusive, more sustainable, and grassroots-led.” Participants also shared their aspirations following their certification. John Paul Abong, who completed the 7s Coaching program, shared: “With my new certification sa Coaching 7s, I plan to help grow rugby in our club by coaching Rugby 7s, female and male and to have regular Sunday training. In the future, we aim to also join competitions initiated by PRFU or other clubs working with PRFU. May Hope and I have presented structured training plan to the club BOT and we're looking forward to execute our plans.” Meanwhile, Neo James, a Strength & Conditioning Level 1 participant, reflected on the importance of developing athletes both physically and mentally: “With our new certification in S&C Adult L1, Me and Jade plans to help grow rugby in our club by creating appropriate and flexible training plan for the club’s coaches and soon to be players. In the future, we aim to prepare players either in Tag Rugby, Touch, and Tackle and to become trainers in developing their full potential to become physically fit and also mentally tough.” For long-time educator Hilton Soberano, the program highlighted the growing participation of regional clubs: “The reason why I became an educator is to bring rugby to the regions and that's what I saw during the Superweek… more and more participants are coming from regional clubs and I look forward to the day these regional clubs grow.” With stronger technical capacity and wider community engagement, PRFU’s 2025 World Rugby Superweek sets the stage for a new wave of rugby development in the Philippines, driven by passionate leaders ready to serve both their clubs and the national rugby movement. About the Philippine Rugby Football Union The Philippine Rugby Football Union (PRFU) is the governing body for the sport of rugby in the Philippines. Established in 1998, the PRFU is dedicated to the development and promotion of rugby across the country, from grassroots to elite levels. It oversees various programs, competitions, and national teams, with the aim of making rugby a major sport in the Philippines. For inquiries, please contact: [email protected] Comments are closed.
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