Ex-Irish rugby star to Volcanoes: Have heart, power

MANILA, Philippines – Former Irish rugby superstar Paul Stephen Wallace, currently in the country to serve as the ambassador of the sport that made him popular, has this advice to the Volcanoes, the country's rugby team: Have a heart for it.

"The most important thing to succeed in rugby is to have a heart for the sport," said Wallace, who arrived Wednesday night as part of his Asian Tour to promote DHL as logistical partner of the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England.

"Of course, you have to have power," added the 43-year-old former standout of Ireland and British & Irish Lion considered as the best tight-head prop during his time.

The Volcanoes could heed Wallace advice since they are bracing to compete in the Incheon Asian Games slated Sept. 19 to Oct. 4 in South Korea where they will battle the best of the region.

Only in its infant stage after it was founded in 2008, the Volcanoes had a smashing year in 2013 when they debuted in the Asian 5 Nations and in the Rugby World Cup Sevens to automatically qualify in Incheon.

They will plunge into action again in the Asian 5 Nations tournament with showdowns against Asian powerhouse teams Hong Kong, Japan, Sri Lanka and South Korea scheduled in April and May.

Learned of the Filipinos passion for basketball, Wallace said there is a chance it could translate into success in rugby.

"I heard the Philippines is very passionate about basketball," said Wallace. "If there are millions playing it, why not do it in rugby, which is a great sport especially for the kids since it espouses team play."

Wallace said he has made it a mission to spread the gospel of rugby.

“I want to help wherever and whenever I can. Rugby is a growing sport and I think this one sport that you can excel," he said.

Gavin Convoy, DHL Express Philippines Senior Director for Operations, said Wallace best represents rugby as its ambassador particularly with the 2015 World Cup fast nearing.

"DHL has a longstanding partnership in the Rugby World Cup and we are proud to have Paul Wallace to help us promote it here in the country," he said.