Volcanoes ready to erupt on home turf

The Philippine Volcanoes aren’t resting on their laurels after defending their Union Cup Rugby title.

Fresh off a dominant campaign that ended with a 39-18 victory over Malaysia in the final, the Philippine Rugby Football Union (PRFU) is already turning its attention to next year’s edition, which the country will host.

PRFU president Ada Milby said winning consecutive championships was the result of thorough preparation rather than the pressure of defending the crown.

“I think it’s important to go into every tournament never expecting to win, but making sure that you do everything in your preparation to make sure that you can, that you’re in the best position to win,” Milby said.

“The choices that they made to be on this tour were often in lieu of doing things for themselves and their families. I’m super proud of the team.”

The successful campaign also lifted the Philippines back to No. 43 in the latest World Rugby rankings, just one spot shy of its highest-ever ranking of No. 42 achieved in 2019.

Milby said the accomplishment carried even greater meaning because it came despite the federation’s limited resources.

“After speaking with the coaches and some of the players, you could really sense that was the energy they brought into the tournament,” Milby said.

With the Union Cup heading to the Philippines next year, the federation is already laying the groundwork for a bigger event featuring both the men’s and women’s divisions.