PRFU Hosts IRB-ARFU Super Week

MANILA, Philippines – On Nov 4 – 10, IRB and ARFU in partnership with PRFU hosted a Training and Education Super Week at the Eagles Nest in Silangan, Laguna. The Super Week comprised of a number of course offerings such as Match Officiating, Coaching, Strength and Conditioning (S&C), Get Into Rugby, Rugby Ready, Women’s 7s Rugby Workshop, and a historical first of its kind Women’s Educators Course.

Initiatives from IRB to encourage more training and education opportunities for women made Philippines an ideal location to host with more than 60% of the development officers employed by PRFU being women. Additional attendees came from Hong Kong, Laos, Indonesia, and UAE. 

The week had its challenges and successes as one delegate from Indonesia said, “This week was certainly no walk in the park, however, I think…the course has been a PRICELESS experience to everyone involved. We learned from each other, struggled and laughed through it all together. Each one of us not only became better educators/teachers, but gained a new family along the way.”


Part of the training for the newly trained educators was administering the various other course offerings for local players, coaches, teachers, and volunteers. Staffs from Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) were also in attendance for the S&C course, which had approximately 30 attendees. Toni Saret (POC Olympic S&C Trainer) summed up her first experience with a Rugby education course like this:

---

"The whole course was just very enlightening because from an educator’s point of view, it’s nice convening with fellow coaches and reorienting and sharing ideas amongst colleagues. It’s different when you’re just amongst your students so you get fresh ideas and the creative juices flowing. It was just a one day course but it was good to see athletes, coaches, and medical professionals all in attendance. It was an awesome day for me – it was just too short!" 

---

Gene Tong - IRB Regional Training Coordinator also gave his feedback for the week:

"The Inaugural Female Educator course was well hosted by the PRFU. The week was challenging for both Trainers & Participants. It was pleasing to see Women’s Rugby in the Philippines taking off and also being able to give new Educators an immediate hands on experience to use their new found skills with real participants on the various courses rolled out. Many thanks to PRFU for hosting this; it was a wonderful experience for all involved."

---

PRFU looks to continue its initiatives for local coach development into 2015 to support the Usbong Rugby Grassroots Movement and its strategic goals to increase participation and awareness of the sport of rugby in the Philippines. Thank you to IRB, ARFU, PSC, POC, Alabang Eagles Rugby Club and to all the participants for helping make the week a success. If you would like to host a course in your area, please contact us at [email protected].