MANILA -- The Philippine Volcanoes will battle Southeast Asian rival Singapore in a two-game series beginning Saturday in their Asia Rugby Championship Division 1 campaign at the Southern Plains Rugby Field in Calamba.
The Volcanoes, who finished third last year, look to finally barge to the Top 2 and even secure the championship and promotion to the premiership division with the tutelage of Stu Woodhouse, Greg Mumm and former Philippine Volcano Austin Dacanay.
Leading the way for the Volcanoes in their 3 p.m. match-up against Singapore are veterans Ashley Heward, Steve Howorth, and Justin Coveney with 12 newcomers spicing up the roster.
“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,” shared Jake Letts of Philippine Rugby Football Union.
“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,” added Howorth, who will be skippering the team.
History favors the Volcanoes a bit as their developmental program, the Residents XV, routed the Singaporeans, 29-17, last year. Nine of the Residents last year were lined up for the Volcanoes this year.
The Residents will play in a friendly against the United Kingdom Penguins in the first game of the twinbill at 12:30 p.m. (PNA)
