THE Philippine Men’s National 7s Rugby Team, more commonly known as the Philippine Volcanoes, recently signed a four-year sponsorship deal with telecommunications giant, Globe Telecom.
The partnership takes the Globe PH Volcanoes through to 2020, with a vision of the national team being at their peak for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Qualifications.
“Over the next four years, Philippine Rugby has identified key events leading into 2020. Globe has actually had an interest in Rugby as far back as 2010, so we are excited to be renewing ties with one of the Philippines’ most iconic brands. The renewal allows our national team to step up the professionalism and boost our chances of performing well in key events each year” said Jake Letts, National Teams Head.
In 2017 the PH Volcanoes are aiming to repeat their Gold Medal winning performance from the 2015 SEA Games, while also setting their sights on a podium finish at the Asian Games in 2018. The Philippines finished a respectable fifth place at the 2014 Asian Games.
“I believe with the right roster and valuable time playing together we can reach that podium in 2018” added Letts.
For 2019, the national team will have additional motivation for a Gold Medal when the Southeast Asian Games is held in the Philippines.
“With the Philippines hosting the SEA Games in 2019, we believe the sport in general will be huge in the country. We look forward to showing why Rugby is such a rapidly growing sport and of course playing in front of our supporters. The SEA Games in 2019 will be a spectacle and we want Rugby 7s to be leading the way,” said Letts.
With the support of Globe Telecom, the investment will focus on professionalizing the national Rugby 7s program in the Philippines. This will allow the Volcanoes to be even more competitive with the top level teams in Asia. A four year strategic plan leading into the 2020 Olympic Qualifications puts Philippine Rugby at the forefront.
The road to 2020 kicks off this weekend in Doha as the Volcanoes compete in the 2017 Asia Trophy Series. The Globe Ph Volcanoes must finish in first place to qualify to the 2017 Asian Sevens Series. The Asian Sevens Series is a three leg tournament to be played in Hong Kong, Korea and Sri Lanka across September and October this year. The team will be coached by former New Zealand All Black Frano Botica and David Johnston.