PHL Volcanoes invited to play in international HK tourney

The Philippine National Men’s 7s Rugby team, also known as the Volcanoes, has been invited by the International Rugby Board to compete in the world’s largest rugby sevens tournament, the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens. A news release on the website of the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong said the Hong Kong 7s, a by-invitation-only tournament, is scheduled March 23 to 25 at the Hong Kong Stadium. "It is considered the premier leg of the HSBC Sevens World Series and is also held in Australia, Dubai, South Africa, New Zealand, the United States, Japan, Scotland, and England," the release added. Expected to take part in the tournament are some of the world’s top sevens teams, such as New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, and England. "Sevens rugby, which plays seven men per team on the field, is a faster, more exciting version of Rugby Union, which plays 15 men per side," the Consulate General said. They also added that it was the Philippine Volcanoes’ silver-medal-winning performance at the Borneo 7s last 2011 that merited the invitation to this prestigious tournament. In that competition, the Volcanoes, ranked seventh in a field of 12 teams, surprised everyone by finishing second to Japan. Leading the team is captain Jake Letts. National coach Matt Cullen and assistant Noel Flowers will provide guidance. “This invitation to the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens marks a milestone in the history of the Union. It’s a testament to the hard work of our players, coaches and supporters, and more importantly, proof that Filipinos can excel in the sport of rugby,” Philippine Rugby Football Union President Alvin San Diego said. - AMD, GMA News