MATT Cullen, Director of Rugby for the Philippines, sees a rise for Philippine Rugby in the coming years, while forecasting a positive result for the men’s and women’s PH Volcanoes teams at the 2017 Southeast Asian Games.
Cullen expects a repeat of gold for the men’s team and foresees a silver-medal finish for the women’s side, which bagged a bronze in Singapore last year.
Peter Paul Duran
“Women will get Silver. Gold, that will be tough, but the women will get silver, that’s my prediction,” Cullen said during the team’s appearance at the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum in Shakey’s Malate.
The Aussie Rugby official hopes that the contact sport will grow and expand.
“I know that the new administration is very aware that if we want to attain the gold medal for the Philippines, it’s about the education and providing facilities for the youth,” he said.
“I have a positive feeling that in the next six years under this administration, we will see a crop of young athletes that will be given the opportunity (to be discovered) and Philippine Rugby is here to support them,” he added.
The Philippine Rugby Football Union aims to groom players with the potential to qualify for the Volcanoes, concentrating on the grassroots program, targeting local-grown talents to represent the Philippines and eventually incorporating more players other than Fil-foreigners.
“As I always say, dahan-dahan lang, we will get there,” said Cullen noting the possibility of the sport being included in next year’s Palarong Pambansa.
Meanwhile, the Gemmalyn Crosby Sports Festival will hold the third Philippine Fitness & Wellness Expo on Sept. 3 at the Mall of Asia in Pasay.
The 2016 Filipino Fitness and Wellness Expo will be the biggest fitness event of the year, giving all athletes international exposure and recognition.
The multi-sport event will feature the best, as well as promote the latest trends in the fitness, sports and wellness industry. Athletes, sports enthusiasts and celebrity guests from all around the Philippines and the world will participate and grace the event.
Events include Filipino Martial Arts & Arnis Championships, Bodybuilding Championships, Karatedo Championships, Arnis Best of the Best of the Philippines, Filipino Martial Arts, Table Tennis Games and Exhibitions, Yoga Classes, Boxing, Zumba and much more.
Tickets are available at SM Tickets (www.smtickets.com). For booth info and other inquiries, visit the website atwww.philippinefitnessexpo.com or call 09226882982.