Jr. Volcanoes to host U19 Asia Rugby tourney

MANILA -- THE U19 national rugby team — called the Jr. Philippine Volcanoes -- aims for a promotion to the premier division of the U19 Asia Rugby Championships as it hosts the Division 1 of the tournament ladder at the International School Manila Athletic Field in Taguig starting Wednesday.

However, they are in for a tough grind as they take on South Korea, which drubbed them in last year's semifinals at the ISM Field.

"Come Wednesday we will be ready for Korea," said Stroem, team captain for the Volcanoes last year.

Among the key players for the Jr. Volcanoes include Ryan Santos and Rhys Mackley, who has been with the senior Volcanoes like Stroem.

Jakey Letts, Seniors team captain and director of the Philippine Rugby Football Union, said the tournament is part of their preparation for the 2019 SEA Games.

“It’s important to invest in our youth, provide them a pathway into international competition. With the SEA Games being hosted in the Philippines in 2019, we want to be able to identify a few players from this program so we can invest in their future,” he said.

The winners of Wednesday's games will slug it out in the finals on Saturday still at the ISM Field. (PNA)