Philippines Sports Commissioners Ricardo Garcia and Eric Loretizo were on hand to present the Philippine National Rugby Union Team with their playing kit at Rizal Memorial Stadium on Monday, 30 June 2008. 

Philippine National Team with PSC Commissioners Garcia & Loretizo

Commissioner Garcia praised the efforts of the Rugby Union Silver Medal achievements at the Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok.  Commissioner Garcia was present at the SEA Games and witnessed first hand the young Filipino Rugby Union players beat fellow Asian countries to make the finals.  Commissioner Garcia was also confident that the National Men’s Team would also be victorious over Brunei and Guam at the Asian Division III championships to be held in Guam from July 1 to 6th.

Commissioner Eric Loretizo also praised the efforts of the team at the SEA Games and explained that the sport of Rugby Union was destined to grow in popularity throughout the Philippines, especially if the PRFU were to concentrate on developing a strong juniors program.  Commissioner Loretizo also asked the National Men’s players to be ambassadors for the sport of Rugby Union and visit various parts of the Philippines to develop and promote the sport of Rugby Union.

The players of the National Men’s Rugby Union team were able to shake hands and have individual photos taken with Philippine Sports Commissioners Garcia and Loretizo and all the players were extremely proud and honoured to attend and participate in the presentation ceremony.

This year, the Philippines Sports Commission will support the PRFU Silver Medal players with the aim of winning a Gold Medal at the next set of Asian games.