A YOUNGER set of players could make it to the national rugby 7s squad in the coming 2017 Southeast Asian Games.
Officials of the Philippine Rugby Football Union (PRFU) are studying this possibility after the Philippine Junior Volcanoes, placed fourth last month in the Asia Rugby Under 19 Division 1 Championship at International School of Manila field in Taguig.
“No matter the result, we find players here who can compete in the SEA Games, players who can compete in the men’s division and the Asian Games. That’s what this program is all about,” said Jake Letts, PRFU’s head of national teams.
The main focus of the PRFU’s preparations will be on the rugby sevens competitions of the biennial meet in Malaysia.
The Philippines Volcanoes are the defending champions and they are determined to extend their reign.
On the other hand, the Philippines Lady Volcanoes are dead set on improving their third place finish last time.
Skipper Robert Gray McCafferty, who is recovering from a leg injury, is expected to make it to the roster with prolific scorers Ryan Santos and Fil Norwegian Kai Stroem.
In the 2015 edition of the SEA Games, Letts and the men’s side swept their five assignments in the preliminaries and then pulled of a 24-7 disposal of Malaysia in the gold medal match.
On the other hand, the national women’s team split its four preliminary outings for a spot in the bronze medal match, and eventually prevailed over Malaysia, 22-0.
Their stint in the biennial meet will kick off the PRFU’s four-year program, which culminates in their plans to qualify to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.