Rugby legend Gary Ella visited the Philippines in December last year (2005) at the request of Rick Hartley - the coach of the first all Filipino Rugby Team (Maritime Academy Academy of Asia Pacific MAAP).

Interview 

Q: What did you expect to find when you got there?

Gary: Although obviously I knew about the Philippines before traveling to Manila, I did not know a lot about the country and certainly wasn’t expecting to find a country with such a large population. It is a country of contrasts from the very wealthy to those who live a more traditional way of life in very modern cities.  Manila is as busy as any city I have ever visited.

Help raise funds for the "Volcanoes", the Philippine National U19's Rugby team as they compete in Kaosiung, Taiwan in the Asian Rugby Football Union (ARFU) U19s Qualifying Tournament starting on Dec 15, 2006 - two teams from the tournament go on to the International Rugby Board (IRB)  U19's World Cup in 2007.

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The National selection panel have finalized the following team 12 players to represent the Philippines in the upcoming Singer Sri Lanka Sevens - on Sept 16th & 17th 2006.

The team also includes a professional Physiotherapist - Olive Ralanka - who heads the Physio-Therapy office of the Philippine Sports Commission.

The Board of the PRFU would like to congratulate those selected and know that each & everyone of those named will represent the Country and the PRFU with honour & distinction.

Philippines has been invited (for the first time) to partcipate  in the Singer SriLankan Airlines Rugby 7s. 

This represents the first time a Philippine team will be participating in an International level tournament and marks another significant step in the development of Rugy in the Philippines.

The invitational 7s will see twelve from the region's top 20 teams battle it out for the Singer SriLankan Airlines Rugby 7s Trophy over three days beginning September 15 at the Nittawela Rugby Stadium, Kandy.

Chairman of the Organising Committee Iswan Omar said "Twelve top - notch teams from the IRB/ARFU Rankings - 2005 will compete in the tournament. It will bring to us a series of exciting and enjoyable matches and provide a valuable opportunity for our local players to gain much useful experiance on the field. At the same time, I am sure our rugby fans will be thrilled by the exciting performance of the teams."

Official match report by IRB representatives Jamie Scott & Jarrad Gallagher

Pakistan wrapped up their 2006 Asian Nations, Group 5, Triangular Series with a well earned 24 - 3 victory over the Philippines in Manila on Saturday at the Weekend.

This was a tough and committed match played between two of the IRB Associate Members developing Unions that was a great spectacle to watch.

The 22 man (+1 emergency) Philippine National Team to play against Pakistan on Saturday June 10 2006 has now been officially announced.

The board of the PRFU would like to congratulate those selected and know that you will make every effort to be prepared for the game and once on the pitch will perform to your highest levels both as individuals and as a team.

Please note this announcement was modified on 09th June 2006

Philippines will play Pakistan in the final match of the Asian Nations Series 2006 Division 5 Tournament on Saturday June 10 2006 at the Nomads Sports Club Merville Park, Paranaque.

Philippines not only has the chance to add a 2nd International victory to its record, but should they win they will also take out the crown of Asian Nations Series Division 5 Champions.

The PFRU invites you to cheer on the Philippine National Team to victory this Saturday!!! 

Official match report by International Rugby Board Match Commissioner, Greg David

In its First Full International Match, the Philippines beat Guam 18 – 14 in the Asian Rugby Football Union / IRB sanctioned Triangular Series between Guam, the Philippines and Pakistan.

The match played in hot, humid conditions on Guam was well played, clean and hard fought.

Lineout tussle - Philippine Volcanoes in navy strip

 

The Mid-Year Council Meeting of the Asian Rugby Football Union (ARFU) will be held in Manila, at the Peninsula Hotel in Makati on June 9 and 10.

Council members from the 25 members of ARFU will discuss the future of rugby union football in Asia at the meeting then attend the Philippines vs. Guam game, the first International test match of rugby to be held in the Philippines.

A cocktail reception will be held on the evening of June 9 at The Bar of the Peninsula Hotel with leading local sports officals to be invited.

The Philippines National Team will travel to Guam to play the Guam National Team on May 20.

The team is made up of Filipinos and long term residents under IRB eligibility rules. The team is reinforced by a Fil-American, Clay Luraschi, from new York and a Fil-Canadian, Jeffrey Betino who have travelled out to train and play with the team - National Squad announcement here.

On June 7 Guam will play Pakistan in Manila then the Philippines will play its first home test against Pakistan on June 10.  Both games will take place at the Nomad Sports Club in Merville Park, Paranaque.

The series is funded by the Asian Rugby Football Union with a grant from the International Rugby Board.