PH Volcanoes win historic double gold in Asian meet

Metro Manila, Philippines — The Philippine Volcanoes won the gold medal in the men's and women's divisions at the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Trophy held in Kathmandu, Nepal at the weekend.

In the finals, the men's squad defeated Chinese Taipei, 27-14, while the women's squad outlasted India, 7-5.

“We are immensely proud of both our women's and men's teams for their performances and dedication,” Philippine Rugby president Ada Milby said on the organization's website.

“Winning double gold at the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Trophy is a historic achievement for Philippine Rugby, and it reflects the hard work of the athletes, coaches, and support staff to make it happen. We are excited to see the continued growth and success of rugby in the Philippines,” she added.

The men's team is composed of Donald Coleman, Jake Soriano, Tristan Leffers, Michael Moses Blatteis, Reed Santos, George William Nield, Harrison Blake, Dayton Iobu, Rafael Phillps, Kai Stroem, Ned Stephenson, Jonel Madrona, and coach Darryl Suasua.

Meanwhile, the women's team consisted of Pearl Venessa Mae Kellie, Sylvia Tudoc, Alana-lee Grace, Janin Lara Puig, Patricia Mandon, Naomi Kate Palis, Lauryn Nazareno, Rassiel Sales, Takiah Buchanan, Vanessa Cifuentes, Loramhel Monique Marie Mateo, Kayleigh Foster, and coach Samantha Scott.

With the victory, both teams will be promoted again to Division 1 of the tournament.