Volcanoes, kumpiyansa sa Asia Rugby title
HOST ang SPI Philippine Volcanoes sa Singapore sa paglarga ng 2018 Asia Rugby Division 1 Championship sa Hunyo 23 at 26 sa Southern Plains, Calamba, Laguna.
Ito ang unang pagkakataon na host ang Pilipinas sa torneo mula noong 2015.
Pumuwesto ang Volcanoes, itinataguyod ng Seapac Philippines, Inc (SPI), MVP Sports Foundation at First Pacific, sa ikatlong puwesto sa nakalipas na Division 1 Asia Rugby Championships. Nasa pangangasiwa ang Volcanoes nina coach Stu Woodhouse, Greg Mumm at dating Philippine Volcano Austin Dacanay.
Pinagsamang kabataan at karanasan ang Volcanoes na kinabibilangan ng 12 bagong players sa final 26- man roster. Kabilang sa mga beterano sina Ashley Matias Heward, Steve Pagtalunan Howorth at Justin Villazor Coveney.
“A new look roster this year, some exciting new faces have been included in the program. The likes of Robert Fogerty, Sam Callaghan and Kevin Broussard will have the opportunity for selection in the nation’s Top 15s program. These players all have their Filipino roots connecting them to the motherland, I am sure their families here in the Philippines cannot wait to see them represent the nation proudly,” pahayag ni Jake Letts ng Philippine Rugby.
Huling nakaharap ng Volcanoes sa home court ang Singapore noong 2015 sa Philippine Sports Stadium sa Bulacan.
“Playing at home is very special to our playing group, it’s not often we get to play for the country we love, especially in front of family and friends here in the Philippines. I am really looking forward to having a vocal home crowd on cheering our players against two tough matches against Singapore,” sambit ni Howorth.
Bukod sa Volcanoes vs Singapore matche. Mapapanood din ang laban sa pagitan ng United Kingdom Penguins Rugby Touring Team at Philippine Residents XV team.
Magsisimula ang aksiyon ganap na 12: 30 ng hapon. Ipinahayag ng organizers na libre ang panonood.