Jake, Letts go!

When athletes David Beckham, Christiano Ronaldo, and Rafael Nadal modeled underwear for major fashion brands, their ad campaigns not only became instants hits, but created a larger following for their respective sports.

Last July, EDSA-Guadalupe area became a hot spot as some members of National Rugby Team or more popularly known as Philippine Volcanoes posed for Bench Underwear.

Sadly, after almost two weeks, the mayor of Mandaluyong City ordered to take down the billboards, which he deemed scandalous or vulgar.

Although the phenomenon was short-lived, it brought awareness to the national rugby team, which has been winning for our country for several years now.

I had a chance to speak with one of the Philippine Volcanoes, Jake Letts, who has an impressive educational background — a degree in sports management and he’s currently taking his master’s in management at University of Technology Sydney, Australia.

We talked about his early career in rugby, the Bench billboards, and their outreach program for children.

ON THE RADAR: Tell us how you got into rugby.

JAKE LETTS: I was six years old and pretty much just followed my elder brothers in whatever they did. I was the youngest in my team as it was a team of seven-year-olds and that was the youngest age you could start. However, my father felt six years was old enough.

As Filipino-Australian, what part of you is Filipino and what is Australian?

I like chicken adobo. I guess my good nature and my love for my heritage is what truly makes me proud to be Filipino, knowing what my mother, relatives, and ancestors went through living in the Philippines is inspiring. In terms of what makes me Australian, I guess, my love for sport and obviously my accent.

Jake as Bench underwear model. The billboard on Guadalupe was taken down after two weeks, when it was deemed scandalous and vulgar.

Being a post-graduate student and a rugby player at the same time, how do you balance your time?

It’s tough balancing all three (study, work and rugby). My weeks tend to be fully packed with commitments both on and off the field. I like keeping busy though; I’ve been doing it for so long, it just turned into a normal life. When I do get a break, I obviously make the most of it.

In general, what are your impressions of rugby in Australia?

Rugby in Australia is huge. It’s definitely one of the biggest sports in the country. The standard of rugby in Australia is some of best in the world.

Describe your relationship with your brother Michael. How is he as a team captain? Do you critique each other’s game performance?

My relationship with my brother is the same both on and off the field. We are always there for each other. He helps me a lot, which I am very grateful for. To have him as the captain is even better. He is a great team leader and has done a great job over the past four years.

Do you have any superstitions before a game? Like, a lucky jersey or shoes?

Superstitions: I guess I like to walk out with my boots untied and tie them up when I am on the field. My teammates always say when we leave the change room for warm-up, “Your shoelaces are untied?” As soon as I walk onto the field, I tie them up.

What are your dreams for Philippine Rugby?

My vision for Philippine Rugby is to become Asian 5 Nations (A5N) champions then one day qualify to play in the Rugby World Cup. From there, hopefully homegrown Filipinos will be inspired to take up the sport and strive to be part of the Volcanoes and increase the game in the Philippines.

What was your initial reaction when the Mayor of Mandaluyong City ordered to pull down the PRFU Bench billboards in Guadalupe?

In the end, I was just grateful for Bench’s support to get behind our team and increase the awareness of rugby in the country. What they have done for us was fantastic, as many Filipinos now know they have a national rugby team — which they can be proud of.

Tell us more about the foundation of Philippine Rugby Football Union (PRFU).

The PRFU has done a tremendous job since they started. They have changed kids’ lives with the game of rugby. Provided opportunities for disadvantaged children not only to enjoy rugby but also to see the world.

Just recently, they sent a team of orphaned boys to the United Kingdom and spent two weeks touring the country and playing in some of the best rugby grounds in the world. They also got the chance to play a two-match series against a British school whom which they ended up winning.

Every week, the foundation continues to help and train other less-fortunate kids. They visit places such as the Tuloy Foundation, Bahay Bata, and also Smokey Mountain.

Are you particular when it comes to clothes? Describe your style. How do you find Bench as a clothing brand?

I am particular with clothes. I like to look good. My style is pretty basic. I like my whites, blacks and grays — nothing too bright. However, I do wear bright colors when I feel like it. I do like Bench. Love their jeans.

What is your typical day like?

Typical day is usually very busy depending on what day. Weekdays consist of study, work and training all at the same time or just a combination of two of them — depends on the schedule. It’s never just one activity. For weekends, I focus more on rugby and find some time to relax.

Are you single?

I’m taken.

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Special thanks to Jessica Zafra and Raquel Romero.