Rugby 7s SEAG kicks off this weekend in Clark

The Rugby 7s event for the 2019 SEA Games kicks off Saturday as twelve teams go for gold. Both divisions will feature the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Laos. Each team will battle it out over two days in a round robin format between all teams followed by a final which will determine the final rankings.

Malaysia will be defending champions in the Men’s division while Thailand will look to hold their position at the top of Southeast Asia in the womens. The Philippine men’s team will however go in as hot favourites after being to the top SEA team for the last two years and the women’s also looking to finish on the podium after a string of . successful performances in 2019.

“The SEA Games is always a special event for the region, Rugby 7s continues to grow and the level of talent remains strong across all teams. Both divisions will be tightly contested as Rugby 7s is always exciting and any team can play well on their day” shared Jake Letts of Philippine Rugby.

The women’s team will face 2017 bronze medalists Malaysia in their opening match at 9:00 AM while men’s face Laos at 11:00 AM. The Philippines will be fielding their top talent for the competition. The men’s will be lead by Robert Luceno Fogerty, Luc Villalba Smith and Donald Canon Coleman. Both squads will also feature experienced players of the program with the likes of Aiumi Ono, Trixie Pacis and Ada Milby from the women’s and Patrice Olivier and Justin Villazor Coveney amongst others for the men’s.

Clark Parade Grounds has been transformed into a purpose built facility for the event expecting a vibrant and strong home crowd advantage for the host nation. “It’s going to be great atmosphere, PHISGOC have done a tremendous job to put the facility together to feature the event. I can see our players are excited to perform for all their supporters, families and friends” added Letts. 

​The Rugby 7s event will be played across December 7 and 8 from 9:00AM to 5:00PM at Clark Parade Grounds. Tickets can be bought and reserved online or you may gain free entry to selected areas at the stadium on the day. The Philippines will both play 6 matches across the weekend, full schedule below:

(W) = Women's
(M) = Men's

Saturday, December 7:

​9:00 AM - Philippines vs. Malaysia (W)
11:00 AM - Philippines vs. Laos (M)
12:00 PM - Philippines vs. Indonesia (W)
01:20 PM - Philippines vs. Indonesia (M)
03:00 PM - Philippines vs. Thailand (W)
04:00 PM - Philippines vs. Thailand (M)

Sunday, December 8

09:40 AM - Philippines vs Singapore (W)
10:20 AM - Philippines vs Singapore (M)
12:20 PM - Philippines vs. Laos (W)
01:00 PM - Philippines vs. Malaysia (M)

Finals 1:30 PM onwards