Ethnic Filipinos in Australia form ‘Carabaos’ rugby team

MANILA, Philippines—After the Azkals and the Philippine Volcanoes, there is another international sports team Filipinos worldwide can be proud of. They are the “Carabaos,” the first Philippine team to join the Australian National Rugby League (ANRL).

Citing a report from the Philippine consulate in Sydney, the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a press statement that  “17 players of Filipino descent comprise the Carabaos, whose players proudly wore their jerseys with the colors of the Philippine flag on their first outing at the ANRL, held on February 4 at the Cabramatta New Era Stadium in New South Wales.”

The team has so far won all its first three matches against Team Fiji, Team Portugal and Team Burwood, said the consulate report.

During their recent match, “representatives from the Filipino community joined Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis, Consul Marford Angeles and the parents of the players in cheering for the team on their way to a rousing finish…. The team officials were pleased with the squad’s debut performance,” the consulate told the home office.

Aside from team captain Luke Strama, the Carabaos also groups Jason Bedford, Matthew Bedford, Rene Payne, Brian West, Rez Philips, Fred Collina, Ned Stephenson, Jake Smith, Mark Lozano, Steven Bernstrom, Richard Goodwin, Will Corning, Ronald Peña, Graem Stevens, Scott Sandaga, and Greg Power.

“From a stable of six players in 2011, the team has grown to 17. The players come from New South Wales, Canberra and Queensland,” said the mission, quoting team manager Greg Cross.

The other team officials are Clayton Watene, head coach; Mark de Ubago, assistant coach; Marvin Pace, runner; Michael Holt, media liaison officer; and Erick Elefante, secretary.