Rugby resurgence

It has taken six years, but Philippine rugby has finally recovered from the pandemic and taken its rightful place among the powers of Asia. The latest generation of Volcanoes claimed the Unions Cup in July despite the country’s long absence from international competition. It was not an easy ride to Taiwan, but the 15s team bulldozed Thailand, 23-6, in the final at Kaohsiung National Stadium as an exclamation point. Prior to that, the team last saw action in 2019, copping gold at the Asia Rugby Championship Division 1. Then COVID-19 happened, and the boys scattered to all their different countries. 

Roughly 20 years ago, the Philippine Rugby Football Union (PRFU), then known by another name, started its climb, thanks in great part to the efforts of Matt Cullen. Beginning with local club competitions, the formation of a national team slowly got firm. After a series of promotions, the Volcanoes inevitably sat atop the standings in Asia, overcoming all the traditional powerhouses. That generation was soon pirated by other countries like Japan, whose professional league allows Asian quota players. The Filipinos’ advantage: growing up in countries where rugby was played early on, like Australia, New Zealand, the UK and the US.

The depletion of the national team did not last long, however, since the PRFU’s grassroots development program had started to bear fruit, tapping into locals’ innate ability to learn and adapt. 

“I think what’s important is to have more conversations about rugby,” explains backrow Ken Mellorin. “If rugby can become part of local government programs and even PE in schools, it will go a long way to help the sport grow. There’s a misconception that rugby is a contact sport. It’s actually very safe.”

This new generation knows the weight of the responsibility they bear. Although much time was lost, luckily, international standings remained frozen, since nobody could play against anybody else. The restart was a bit of a challenge, but now, momentum has built up.

“It was fun to be with the boys again,” says utility back Jovan Masalunga, who also coaches. “It was a fantastic feeling to win the Cup. And we also know that more Filipinos want to learn rugby. If they have the passion, they could do well in it.”

“It’s a great feeling to represent the country,” adds scrum half Hamish Seddon, who started playing as a child in the Philippines before moving to the UK. “Many of us always wanted to play for our mothers’ country, and know more about our culture.”

With this new crop of footballers taking the reins and being aware of their responsibility for the future, Philippine rugby is in good hands. But we all have to pitch in (pardon the pun) to ensure its permanence as a sport that Filipinos are world-class in.