Lady Volcanoes back in Asia rugby, debut vs India, Singapore

The Philippine Lady Volcanoes seek to make an explosive return to action in the Asia Rugby Women’s Championship Division 1 against India and host Singapore this week.

The Lady Volcanoes, playing again in the 15s format tournament after a six-year hiatus, have assembled a crack lineup of veterans and promising youngsters led by returning skipper Aiumi Ono of Cebu Dragons, overseas-based Tanya Bird of English rugby club West Bridgford and Anna Beatix Pacis of Canadian side Meraloma, and new recruits like Agot Danton of Davao Durians and U17 standouts Nicole Kovanen and Kaia Baui of Eagles RFC, for their comeback.

“Both Singapore and India will be a challenge for us. However, our women’s team has prepared very well. I’m looking forward to our Lady Volcanoes stringing together two strong performances for the Philippines,” said Phl Rugby general manager Jake Letts.

“I’m really excited and privileged to lead this team for ARWC. We have been preparing for this tournament for a long time and had intensive training the past four months. Seeing the improvement of the team really excites me even more,” said Ono, who is returning to international play after recovering from an ACL injury.

Coached by Philippine Volcano Joe Palabay Dawson and PRFU elite performance manager Chris Alamil Everingham, the Phl ladies were slated to kick off their campaign last night at Singapore’s Queenstown Stadium against the Indians, who are seeing action in their first international tourney. They then play the Singaporeans, the highest-ranked among the Division 1 competitors, on June 8.

The participation in the ARWC, according to Letts, is in keeping with the association’s efforts to boost its rugby 15s program in the runup to the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

“It’s so important for Philippine rugby to continue to develop the 15s format; it’s a stepping stone for our SEA Games inclusion and preparation,” said Letts. “It’s all about Philippine rugby development, the more international exposure, the better our players have to achieve success.”