Philippine Under 19 Team depart for Taiwan

The Philippine Under 19 National team departed for Kaoshiung, Taiwan (Sunday 6th December) to compete in the Asian qualifying for next years Under 19 World Cup to be held in Belfast.

This is a landmark in Philippine rugby and is the first time the country has been represented in such a high profile International Tournament.

The gathering of the squad which comprises of Philippine nationals, expatriates with three years residency and overseas players with Philippine heritage has been the brainchild of Randell Carmen the benefactor of Alabang Eagles RFC. Four local schools and colleges are represented those being Brent International, Faith Academy, International School Manila and the Maritime Academy of Asia Pacific. There is also a representative of the Cebu Dragons RFC from the Visayas.



Players have flown in also from Australia, notably the 108 kg prop forward John Gardner from Bundaberg in Queensland and two Brisbane based players, Frank Duhig, and David Carmen, along with Matthew Saunders, Andrew Barbacetto and Jake Letts from Sydney. Letts who has already been capped by the Philippines at senior level earlier this year will captain the side in the tournament. Additionally the very talented outside half Gareth Holgate from Rhyll, North wales has joined the squad. He has already represented North Wales at Under 20 level and great things are expected of him this coming week.

The squad is coached by the Australian pairing of Matt Cullen and Rick Hartley and managed by Phil Gittus from England assisted by Samoan Silla Mataia.

The squad has a heavy schedule of games playing against Brunei, Guam and the Arabian Gulf within a five day period. Despite only having the full squad together for a short period they are already gelling well and have what looks like a formidable three quarter line up.