VOLCANOES SECURE ASIA RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP

​The Philippine Volcanoes National Men’s 15s Team, headlined sponsored by SEAPAC Philippines Inc and MVP Sports Foundation, completed a two-match sweep against Singapore in the Division 1 Asia Rugby Championship held at Southern Plains, Laguna. With a score of 32-24 last Saturday and 38-12 on Tuesday, June 26th, the Volcanoes managed to bag two wins from two appearances  to secure the Asia Rugby Division 1 Title
 
After early points to Singapore, Philippine Team Captain, Steve Pagtalunan Howorth was the first to draw blood for the Philippines with a barnstorming try. Robert Luceno Fogerty added the extra points and poured another two penalties to bring the lead to 13-5.
 
Fogerty, the youngest member of the Volcanoes continues to rise to the international standard of rugby. With a near perfect kicking performance, converting four penalties and three conversions for 18 points, Fogerty added crucial points the Philippines tally. It was however the defense and physicality of the team that most impressed the outside back. The Philippines defending their own tryline for a period of 20 minutes straight. 

Team Captain Steve Pagtalunan Howorth led from the front to help Volcanoes secure victory

Vincent Amar Young was a dominant feature in the Volcanoes attack

​​"We talked a lot about puso (heart). I think you saw in the last 20 minutes of the game, that we just never gave up and kept applying pressure" shared Fogerty.
 
Veteran, nickname the Flying Jeepney Justin Villazor Coveney also contributed 10 points to the scoreline crossing for a double set up by the Philippine back line. Joe Palabay Dawson also scored another to add to his two from Saturday.
 
"Our goal is to keep building on this win. Come next year, reclaim the Division 1 trophy in a four team round robin tournament,” Steve Pagtalunan Howorth, Team Captain and man of the match the Philippines.
 
The Volcanoes state their claim to further climb the world rankings, booking their place in the 2019 Asia Rugby Championships. Continuous wins will promote the Philippines to the Premier Division where they would face the likes of Hong Kong, Korea and 2019 World Cup hosts Japan.
 
On a Sevens arena, the Volcanoes continue their international preparations, with the international Sevens Series due to kick off in September