By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
THE Philippine men’s national rugby union team has been competing in many international competitions in the last decade and given pride to the country in the process but it admits that playing in front of the Filipinos later this year at the 30th Southeast Asian Games is something they are looking forward to and excited about.
Currently 42nd in the world rankings, the Philippine Volcanoes, the SEA Games gold medallists in the 2015 edition of the sporting meet, said they are expecting the atmosphere to be different playing on home field and they are going to bask in it as they try to go on top anew.
“We are excited to have the home crowd supporting us. The last time we played in front of the home team at the SEA Games was in 2005 which was held here. It’s great to have the people here supporting us. Most of our players come from big families so we love to see them there as well,” said Jake Letts, General Manager of the Philippine Rugby Football Union Inc. in an interview.
In the SEA Games, which the country is hosting from Nov. 30 to Dec. 11, rugby will be played at the Parade Grounds in Clark, Pampanga, from Dec. 5 to 9.
Mr. Letts said they are expecting a tough competition during the Games and that they are working hard to be in the best possible shape come tournament time.
“Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore will be strong. But it’s a competitive and level playing field. Each team can compete with one another. The sport is very exciting and you really have to put in the work if you want to succeed,” the Philippine rugby official said.
As part of their preparation for the SEA Games, the Philippine Volcanoes competed at the 2019 Asia Rugby Sevens Series in September where they finished sixth after three legs.
They are also set to see action in the regional qualification for the Tokyo Olympics in Korea in November.
“We would love to see the support of fans here. The competition is not going to be easy but we hope to get better. Also we hope more people will be inspired to pick up rugby as a sport here when they see us play,” said Mr. Letts.
Back in the 2017 SEA Games, the Philippine Volcanoes fell short of a podium finish, winding up at fourth behind host Malaysia (gold), Singapore (silver) and Indonesia (bronze).
The Philippines lost to Indonesia, 26-7, in the bronze medal game.
The 30th SEA Games is touted to be the biggest to be staged in the Philippines, involving 11,000 athletes and officials from the 11 member nations, 9,000 volunteers, 530 events and 56 sports.
Forty-four venues have been short-listed for the event scattered in different parts of the country.
The last time the country hosted the SEA Games was in 2005.
