Volcanoes’ James Halasan Ryan Graces Lamanan NHS’ First Rugby Clinic

by Mark Villamora

​Lamanan National High School (LNHS) took its first step into rugby as Philippine Volcanoes player James Halasan Ryan joined students for their inaugural rugby clinic on August 1 in Calinan District, Davao City.

Halasan Leads LNHS’ First Rugby Experience

Halasan introduced students to the fundamentals of rugby, including the backward pass and T1 Rugby principles, before joining them in friendly scrimmages.

James Halasan Ryan facilitating the T1 Rugby Clinic in Lamanan National High School.

He was joined by Vanessa Julia Ramos, Co-Captain of the Rugby Rising Play Davao Team, and community coaches from the Davao Durians RFC Megkawayan hub, who guided the students throughout the clinic.

“Over the past two years, I have visited different communities to introduce rugby to young people who have limited opportunities to experience rugby,” said Men’s Volcanoes player Halasan.

His grassroots efforts come alongside his international achievements, having been part of the Philippine Volcanoes squad that successfully defended the Unions Cup title in July 2026.

Halasan hopes to see more schools embrace rugby and provide young athletes with opportunities to develop through the sport.

Growing the Grassroots Game

The LNHS clinic adds to the growing grassroots rugby movement supported by the Philippine Rugby Football Union (PRFU), as the Union continues to expand rugby in schools and communities nationwide.

Ramos emphasized the role of Rugby Rising Play in creating safe and inclusive opportunities for students, particularly girls, to experience T1 Rugby while developing confidence, teamwork, discipline, and leadership.

“Programs like Rugby Rising Play provide high school students and girls the opportunity to experience rugby in a safe, fun, and inclusive way through non-contact T1 Rugby,” said Rugby Rising Play Co-Captain Ramos.

Students from Lamanan NHS learning the rules of rugby.

​LNHS Eyes Kadayawan Debut

Following their first clinic, the newly formed LNHS rugby team is preparing to make its debut at the Kadayawan T1 Rugby Festival on August 22–23 at UP Mindanao.

For Principal Jaypee Joromat, rugby is another avenue for students to develop discipline, teamwork, responsibility, and character both on and off the field.

“All sports, including rugby, play a vital role in the holistic development of every learner by nurturing not only their physical abilities but also their character, values, and life skills,” said LNHS Principal Jaypee Joromat.

With the support of the school community, local coaches, Davao Durians RFC, and the PRFU grassroots network, LNHS now begins its rugby journey.

From its first clinic to its first tournament, Lamanan NHS is only getting started.

About the Philippine Rugby Football Union
The Philippine Rugby Football Union (PRFU) is the governing body for rugby in the Philippines. Established in 1998, PRFU is dedicated to developing and promoting rugby across the country, from grassroots participation to elite competition. The Union oversees domestic competitions, national development programs, and the Philippine national rugby teams, with the goal of growing rugby as a leading sport in the Philippines.

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