The Philippine national rugby team, known as the Philippine Volcanoes, deemed themselves successful for round two of the 2018 Asia Seven Series in Incheon, Korea.
They previously came from a fourth-place finish in Hong Kong two weeks ago, to which Team Captain Christopher Arpon Bird shared, “A top-four finish in Asia Rugby has always been our aim, that’s where we believe we rank best in all of Asia,” further explaining that losing to bronze-medalists China in the first round was painful but encouraged them to not lose any games for the second round to continue being in the running for top three for the overall series.
During round two, the Volcanoes battled it out with Malaysia, Chinese Taipei, and Sri Lanka. The third game was particularly noteworthy, the score finishing at 19-17 with Ned Plaziaran Stephenson’s try securing the victory.
Bird stated, “The win over Sri Lanka was the most special — a team traditionally always consistently good at Sevens Rugby in Asia. Our team has now beaten, Korea, China, and adding Sri Lanka to the list for some of our most recent events. Positive signs of development for this national program.”
For a strong finish, the Volcanoes are challenged to remain in the top three as they compete in Colombo, Sri Lanka in two weeks.
Jake Letts, National Teams General Manager for Philippine Rugby is ecstatic with his team’s performance so far, saying, “The level of Rugby in Asia is so tight this year, it was a great performance for the Volcanoes to remain undefeated in Round Two.”
As they wait for the next leg of the competition, the Volcanoes are staying in Laguna for training with National Coaches Frano Botica, David Johnston, and Chris Everingham.