Here are more photos from our match vs Hong Kong. Enjoy!

photos: Jinggo Montenejo

Again, thank you to everyone who watched the game at Rizal, on TV and  who followed the game via Facebook and Twitter. Once more, you have proven that the Volcanoes have the best supporters in the world!!!

Yes, the photos are great, but watching the game in the stadium is even better! 

Please come to our game vs UAE on May 18, 7pm at Rizal Memorial Stadium. We need your support! See you there!

Click here for ticket info for the May 18 match. 

One of the highlights from our game against Hong Kong. David Feeney chip kicks the ball which leads to a try by Patrice. Great stuff! 

Photos by Jinggo Montenejo

Having only joined the Volcanoes last year, Mat Bellenie can still be considered as one of the newbies on the team. In this entry, he talks about what it was like in 2012 to represent his motherland on the Rugby field for the very first time.

1. It was your first time to play for the Volcanoes in 2012. How did you end up on the team? 

I knew there was a Filipino team through a college friend who played with (veteran player) Gaz Holgate. I sent my player cv through the website not expecting very much. But the management got back in touch quickly and it just went from there. 

I sent the cv in January and was part of the squad in April. In a short space of time I went from a club Rugby player to potentially playing for my country. It was mind blowing!   


2. What did you think of your experience at the Asian 5 Nations 2012?

It was nothing like I'd ever experienced before. Everything about the tournament blew me away -- from the fans, to the atmosphere in the stadium. I honestly had no idea what I was getting into -- it was literally going into the complete unknown for me. Fortunately, it turned out to be one of the greatest things I've ever been a part of. 

3. Was it easy for you to fit into the team and understand what being a Volcano is about? 

The boys were great from the start, they put me at ease quickly. I think most Rugby boys have the same sense of humour and mentality no matter whereabouts in the world they're from, so it was easy to join in (good banter helped too). 

Being around the guys who've been there since the beginning really helps you buy into the ethos of being a Volcano. You realise that being a Volcano is important not just for yourself, but for so many people, for so many reasons. 

4. Outside of Rugby, what's your life like? 

I work full time, so it's a balancing act between my job, Rugby training and gym work. I'm also comic nerd so I read plenty of comics, that always helps me relax. Also, being with my mates is always good fun. 

5. What's a typical day for you? How do you keep yourself Rugby ready? 

I work from 7am till 3pm. Afterwards, it's straight to the gym. If it's a non-Rugby day I'll go for a heavier workout. When I have Rugby training I'll do a lighter session. I like to squeeze in a run as well. I keep myself Rugby ready by making sure I'm in good health through diet, exercise and injury management. 

6. Tell us something about your family and what it's like living in where you are. 

My family life is pretty standard. My parents and their partners are 100% supportive of me. They have all helped me in getting ready for life's challenges. My mum loves the fact I've represented the Philippines, she tells all her friends all the time. I also have plenty of family in the Philippines, so many cousins (too many to count), a wonderful sister and Lola, but Brighton has always been my home. It's a buzzing place to live, there are always things to do. In the summer Brighton comes into it's own. It has to be one of the best places in England during the summer. 

7. What about you would you say is most Filipino? 

My rice consumption and dashing good looks. 

8. How has playing on the team affected your life? 

Being a Volcano means the world to me,it gave my Rugby purpose and made me believe I could achieve something. I feel honoured and humbled to be part of something so special. To put that jersey on filled me with immense pride, especially knowing my mum watched me play in her homeland. 

Being a Volcano has defiantly helped me connect with my Filipino roots. I never really thought about that side of my heritage, I was proud to be English. But after the experience of the A5N and playing for the National Team, it made me want to embrace the Filipino part of me more. I want to explore this amazing country and sample the many different things this culture has to offer. I am definitely a Proud Pinoy. 

9. What advice can you give to Rugby newbies or people who want to try out the sport?  

You should give Rugby a go. It's the best team sport in the world. There are a variety of positions so people of all shapes and sizes can play. I feel Rugby can instill you with the right mental attitude that you can take into every day life, for example discipline, working hard, working within a team but also the fun and enjoyment. 

10. What is your message to the Volcanoes' supporters? 

Thank you for your continued and passionate support! I hope we do the people and this great country proud.

Want to know more about Mat? Send him a message on Twitter -- @matbellenie

Support the Volcanoes at their home games on May 4 and 18 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium! Tickets at P 50.00 & P 200.00 available via Ticketworld.com.ph or 891-9999.

Source: The Rugby World Blog

This year's Asian5Nations poster boy is Austin Dacanay, affectionately referred to as "Lolo" because of his status as one of the team veterans. Here he is in his own words.


1. You've been a Volcano since 2007. Is there a big difference between then and now?

Yes. First and foremost, the caliber of Rugby from players and coaches is head & shoulders above where it was in 2007, as indicated by our results. 

Next, the administration is a proper organization with an executive board and sponsorship, compared to an all-volunteer set-up in 2007.

Lastly, our support from the Filipino poeple is real, and I feel the love. In 2007, outside of the small Rugby community, no one knew who we were. Now I get supportive messages almost everyday of the year from fans and supporters from the Philippines

2. Outside of Rugby, what's your life like?

I'm a doctor, a football coach, a university professor, a husband, a father, and an athlete... so it's kinda busy. But I wouldn't want life to be any other way. 

3. How do you keep yourself Rugby ready?

I lift weights 3 to 4 times a week. I do cardio 3 to 4 times a week. I play Rugby 2 to 3 times a week. I eat everyday, I sleep with my eyes closed, and then I wake up the next to and get ready to do it all again.

4. Tell us something about your family and what it's like living in Florida?

Florida's weather is very similar to the Philippines, I think that's why all of my family moved here. We have a few members still in the Philippines, but really, it's like a clan of Filipinos in Florida that bring lumpia and pancit to every party, play mahjong every weekend, and grow papaya and calamansi trees in all of their yards.

5. What about you would you say is most Filipino?

Everything! I'm one of the Volcanoes who is 100% Pinoy (both parents are Filipino), and proud of it.

6. You have a young daughter -- would you ever let her play Rugby?

If her goal was to play for the Volcanoes like her Dad, of course :-) 

7. As one of the senior players in the team, how do you help the new players fit into the team and understand what being a Volcano is about?

Being a Volcano is more than just playing a game. We represent 92 Million people every time we put on that National Team jersey. And although the brotherhood is very loose & fun, from the most senior players to the rookies, we all understand that it's an honor and privilege to represent the Philippines. Our words, actions and performance is just a result of that understanding. 

8. What does being a Volcano mean to you? How has is affected your life?

Being a Volcano finally validates all of the years of sports where I fought with the White, Black and Hispanic kids that I never fit in with, but tried so hard to. It has given me an identity that I am forever proud of, and that honestly, I'm ashamed not to have known much about until 2007. It's something that I will pass on to the players that follow me, to my children, and every Filipino that I meet anywhere in the world until I'm gone. I'm proudly Pinoy, and that's what it means to be a Volcano.

9. What advice can you give to Rugby newbies or people who want to try out the sport

Have fun learning how to play Rugby. Make lots of friends while learning, get in shape, stay out of trouble, and get good enough to play for the National Team with Lolo. But if you don't make the National Team, at least you're out of trouble, in shape, and have lots of friends.

10. What is your message to the Volcanoes' supporters?

Maraming, maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat!!! You have helped lift us to the higherst level of Rugby in Asia with your support in 2012. We will need all your support again this year for the 2013 A5N campaign. I promise, we will give you our best effort. Respect, discipline, and proudly Pinoy!!!

I you want to send a message to Austin, follow him on Twitter --> @adacanay 

Support the Volcanoes at their home games on May 4 and 18 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. Tickets at P 50.00 and P 200.00 available via Ticketworld.com.ph or 891-9999.

Brush up on the basic rules of Rugby with this helpful infographic!

Source: Ria Novosti

Here are some photos from one of our training sessions before we headed to Singapore for the Rugby World Cup Sevens Qualifiers. We hope you like them :-)

(All images: copyright Bob Guerrero and PRFU. Unauthorized use is prohibited)

click on photos to enlarge image

1. When did you start playing Rugby?
I started playing Rugby back in March 2010, after I interviewed coach Matt Cullen when I was hosting a sports show. He told me about the successful rise of the men’s team, then said that the PRFU was going to put together the 1st ever Philippine national women’s Rugby team. My executive producer, Bill Velasco, encouraged me to try out. Not knowing anything about it, I started learning at the Rugby 101 sessions and have been in attendance ever since. 

2. What do you enjoy about the game?
The aggressiveness of the sport -- it's a great way to release stress. I also like the mental part of it because it may look like we’re soldiers on a battlefield just bashing each other, but there is actually a lot of thinking involved -- like a general deciding what tactics to use to win that war.

3. What are the challenges for girls who play the sport?
It’s important to be physically fit, but most of all you must have the mental toughness and heart to play. I usually tell people who ask me that if they were to get into Rugby, it takes 80% confidence and 20% skills to be succesful.

4. Tell us something about your training schedule. What kind of diet do you follow? What do you do for fitness/strength?
At 5’2 I actually used to be 144 lbs once. It was training and a balanced diet that got me back into shape. One lifestyle regimen that I always recommend to people who ask me how to lose weight is to replace rice with oatmeal. I cook the old fashioned rolled oats in the same consistency as boiled rice then eat it together with whatever “ulam” (viand) there is. This way, you don’t really feel like you’re on a diet. Plus drink lots and lots of water. 

For fitness, I play other sports like Ultimate Frisbee and Touch Rugby. Then for strength, I take advantage of the Gold’s Gym membership we get for being part of the Philippine Volcanoes. 

5. Outside of Rugby, what occupies your time?
I host a travel show on cable, do sportscasting for sports networks, host events & parties, and I'm also an entrepreneur. I regularly play a lot of sports to keep fit. Hanging out & bonding with my teammates after training is what I look forward to as well.

6. How does your family support your passion for Rugby?
Ever since I was 5 yrs old my family has supported me through baseball, swimming, volleyball, table tennis, badminton, ultimate frisbee and now Rugby Union. If not for their support I wouldn't be able to do the things that I enjoy and so passionate about. I’m grateful to them for that.

7. What's the best thing about being part of the Philippine Volcanoes?
I’d have to say the best part is the support that the PRFU and all of our sponsors give us. I’ve played so many other sports and have never experienced the same kind of support that the PRFU gives the Philippine Volcanoes. If not for the people behind it all, we would not be able to do what we love which is privilege to play for our country and live our dreams. 

8. What's your favorite Volcano memory so far?
My favorite Philippine Volcano memory was when I got to be part of history as a member of the 1st Philippine team ever to play in the prestigious Hong Kong 7s tournament in 2011. It was such a surreal experience playing for the Philippines against other teams from all around the world. I learned a lot from it and I’m now a better player because of that event.

9.What advice would you give to girls who are curious about the sport but are hesitant to try it?
If you are a person that likes a challenge, then Rugby is the sport for you. It's physically demanding and it also takes a lot of heart to play the game. Being a rugger is a great test of character and you will meet many people here with the same aspects. 

We may look mean and aggressive on the field but don’t be afraid, it’s just part of the sport and we can easily switch it on and off after the game. We’re all friends and we protect each other on and off the field. We always welcome new recruits & beginners to the squad and to our barkada. So just come down to Ultra try it out -- I'll probably be one of the coaches that will help train you.

10. What do you tell your teammates before a match?
Play with heart, that’s all that I can ask for because when you do the rest will just fall into place.

11. What's your message for the Volcanoes' supporters?
I’d like to thank God, our families, friends, fans, sponsors and the PRFU for all the support and the love. We wouldn’t be able to accomplish the great honor of representing the country without our supporters and for that, and in behalf of the team, I am most grateful.

The Lady Volcanoes are competing in the Asian Women's 7s Rugby World Cup Qualifiers in Pune, India on October 6-7, 2012.

As promised, here's the article from the June issue of MB Sports Digest. 

Special thanks to Globe Telecom for making this feature possible.
Article by: Yugel Losorata
Photos by: Mark Cristino 

(For best results, click on the Fullscreen option below & zoom in to read the article)