Volcanoes Dev gear up for Cheltenham 7s

Charles Amistozo Warren and Nathan Mirote Bellenie for the Philippine Development Team at the recently played Macclesfield 7s

The Volcanoes development team in the United Kingdom takes the field once again this Saturday for the Cheltenham 7s. The national development side aim to build on their performance from the Macclesfield 7s where the team featured seven capped national players and six new squad members. The Volcanoes have been named in Pool A, alongside St. Paul Swordfishes, Patriots, Stags 7s and two additional teams.

The Philippine heritage team retain six players from the first tournament opening up a further six positions for new members to join the team. “For this tournament opportunities have opened up for some new players to join our growing squad, I look forward to seeing them represent the jersey proudly” Vince Amar Young, Team Leader for the program shared.

Strong performances from youngsters Raphael Conception Barberis and Craig Bayer Wallace see them selected for their second straight tournament. Joining the young team include former U19 representatives Owen Gasgonia Wakeham, Kian Dela Isla Mullholland and Mike San Lorenzo Bradwell. “It’s great to see players we had involved in our National Youth Programs a few years ago back playing for the national program again. It’s exactly the purpose we set the program up for, to be able to have Filipinos playing rugby in the pandemic where they are able to” Jake Letts CEO of Philippine Rugby shared.

The Volcanoes kick off their first match at 9:20 AM vs. the Patriots, followed by an additional three games before the finals. “Hopefully we can get some momentum from our first game; having six players from Macclesfield 7s should help us for this competition. Adding some additional youth to the team we are looking to play some exciting rugby” Young added.

Philippine Rugby are still dealing with the challenges of playing rugby domestically, with the new delta variant posing additional restrictions that have been brought back to major cities. “It’s obviously not ideal for our local rugby community, we will continue to stay active in the community largely though online activities with players and clubs, as well as training and education courses which also start this weekend” Letts shared.

Then following players will represent the Philippine team for the Cheltenham 7s a Newlands Park, Southam Ln:

1. Raphael Concepcion Barberis 
2. Craig Bayer Wallace
3. Lucas Pablo Hill
4. Kian Dela Isla Mullholland
5. Rafael Dian Zappia 
6. William Obenieta Anderson
7. Chris Monponbanua Ramones
8. Owen Gasgonia Wakeham
9. Charles Amistozo Warren
10. Jeff Patrick De Gracia Ninalga
11. Justine Palacio Catubig 
12. Mike San Lorenzo Bradwell

Team Leaders:
Vincent Amar Young
Mathew Orag Bellenie