Today was the first full training session for the ”Son’s of Lapu Lapu” on a good rugby training ground. At the intensive two hour session under Head Coach Rick Hartley, with support from Assistant Coach Alan MacDonald, the skills of the team, as they went through a system of set plays and drills were immediately evident.

Even though over the previous few days the team have had to train at a variety of less than favourable training sites (like the Athletes Village car park), they have already demonstrated their cohesion, speed, experience and skill levels – they are set to make an indelible impact on the tournament.

 Press Release - SEAG Rugby Squad has first good hit-out (566.92 kB)

The team is composed of very experienced and skilled individuals, which over a relatively short period have become a close knit and ambitious unit, a real team. The squad is now a cohesive and committed team with the ability to take a
medal.

The Volcanoes and team officials have now assembled in full and have settled very well into the SEA Games athlete
village at Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat). Off the training ground, the team has already established a strong rapport with
all the other Filipino athletes and officials of Team Philippines in the SEA Games Athletes Village. They are very
popular and have developed a strong following of supporters.

One more day of relatively light training will complete preparation for the team‘s first game against the strong
Singapore side on Sunday.