The Philippine Volcanoes proved that they are a force to reckon with after their outstanding performance at the recent Asian Men’s 7s Championships held at the Yuanshen Stadium in Shanghai, China.
The Volcanoes beat the United Arab Emirates, 26-7, Thailand, 22-0, and top-ranked South Korea, 19-14, raising their overall rank from 10th to 7th in the Asian Rugby League.
The Volcanoes’ victory over South Korea, winner of the Shanghai 7s last year, was considered to be one of the biggest upsets of the tournament which was participated in by 12 Asian countries.
Justin Coveney, known as the “Flying Jeepney,” was one of the powerful forces behind the team’s momentous triumph.
Playing inside center, Coveney scored the two match winner points which shocked the Koreans, last year’s champs.
“Our win in the Shanghai 7s, especially against South Korea, gave us a new level of confidence as we compete in the Borneo 7s this month,” said the Volcanoes’ Australian coach Matt Cullen. “We are thankful for the support that Filipinos have thrown behind us, as well as Philippine companies which believed in our capacity to make rugby an established Philippine sport.”
Leading telecommunications provider Globe Telecom supports the Volcanoes by helping the team raise awareness on the sport.
“We congratulate the Philippine Volcanoes for a great finish and beating top contender South Korea in the Shanghai 7s,” said Ernest Cu, Globe president and Chief Executive Officer. “We are optimistic that they will sustain the momentum in the Borneo 7s as well as in their future games. Globe is proud to throw our support behind the Volcanoes and join them in making rugby a certified Filipino sport.”
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THE PHILIPPINE Volcanoes composed of Jake Letts, Christopher Hitch, Rupert Zappia, Christopher Everingham, Kenneth Mitchell Stern, Mark Chatting, Harry Morris, Jon Morales, John Odulio, Justin Coveney, Oliver Saunders and Andrew Wolfe together with (center) Globe president and CEO Ernest Cu and PRFU secretary general Rick Santos during a send-off and jersey turnover ceremony organized by Globe.