Here is a sport that is unknown to most Filipinos—rugby. The sport was founded in the country in 1998 and attained the whole membership in the International Rugby Board in 2004. The Philippine rugby team is known as Philippine Volcanoes.
Most of the members are expatriate—half Filipinos and half foreign nationals. The team got their humble recognition from media since 2005, with respect to their winning tournaments. But since rugby is a foreign sport, most Filipinos are not aware of having a team like one.
Last 2011, the Philippine Volcanoes had their most media exposure unfortunately because of their “controversial” billboard and not because of their skills. But good things came after the said controversy. Last 2012, the Philippine Volcanoes got the championship title in Asian 5 Nations (currently Asia Rugby Championship) Division 1. The said tournament is played in 15s and acknowledged as the most important tournament in Asia. Because of their winning, the team was promoted to the premier division and ranked to 55th from 62nd worldwide. Last 2013, the Philippine Volcanoes also qualified and competed for the prestigious 2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens held in Moscow, Russia. The team really earned good media exposure from that moment. | Controversial Billboard (2011) 2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens |
Currently, the team is competing mainly in 7s and 15s, which is in accordance to the number of squad in the pitch. For the main tournament in 15s, the team will still compete in the Division 1 of ARC next year. Although they failed to be promoted to the premier division once again, they never failed to bring home the gold medal on their recent tournament, the 2015 South East Asian Games. The game was played in 7s wherein Captain Jake Letts led the Philippine rugby men’s team feat.
My hat’s off to the team who play for the Filipinos’ pride and not for money. Fortunately they have good number of sponsors today that will and can cover their financial needs. Current ranking is 53rd worldwide. Way to go, Jakey and team!