The Globe-Philippine Volcanoes finished the year with a ranking of no. 3 in Asia.
This was after the Volcanoes clobbered host Sri Lanka, 19-7, in the final stage of the three-leg 2018 Asia Sevens Series in Sri Lanka recently.
Because of this, the Volcanoes, currently sit in first place among their Southeast Asian neighbors, according to their General Manager Jake Letts.
“It’s a special feeling for the team, they deserve it. The coaching staff and players have worked so hard for a very long period of time,” said Letts.
The Volcanoes took six years to return to the world’s elite. They last qualified for the Hong Kong 7s in 2012 and reached the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Moscow, Russia, a year later.
Since then, the Volcanoes have tirelessly battled it out amongst Asia’s best for the chance to once again compete with the world’s top teams.
“It has taken years to get back to this point. The way they performed – I have only the utmost respect for what they achieved and can continue to achieve,” added Letts.
The first day saw the Volcanoes turning back Asian Games bronze medalists, Korea, 34-5.
In the second match, the Volcanoes were up against arch rivals from Southeast Asia and current SEA Games gold medalists Malaysia, with the Volcanoes holding their on to win, 24-19.
In this game, the Volcanoes, lost four players to injuries and a suspension to Vincent Amar Young for an accidental high ball collision.
On Day 2, three players were ruled unavailable, with Mark Mapacpac Roberts and Robert Luceno Fogerty out from an accidental head collision.
The undermanned Volcanoes fell to a 12-21 setback to no.1-ranked and overall champion Japan.
The Volcanoes still progressed to the semifinals where they faced second seeds, Hong Kong.
In another valiant display, they took a 12-19 loss.