Bullettes to defend touch rugby crown

MANILA, Philippines - The Nomads Bullettes seek to defend their title for the fourth straight time when the 2012 Manila Touch Rugby tournament gets going March 10 at the Nomads Sports Club inside Merville Park, Parañaque City.

“We hope to defend our title again in spite of the stiff opposition we expect we will be facing,“ said Fil-Am Bullette Amelia Breyre, 26, who has suited up for the US national touch rugby team, during yesterday’s PSA Forum at Shakey’s UN Ave.

Breyre played for the US squad that competed in the recent Touch Rugby World Cup held in Scotland.

Joining her in the session was Bullette mainstay and PR head Arabelle Jimenez, who said that close to 20 teams are expected to see action in the men’s, ladies’ and mixed divisions in the competition held under the aegis of Touch Football Pilipinas.

Both pointed out that unlike regular rugby, with its nasty and often violent tackles, their sport relies more on strategy and the fundamental skills of running, handling, evasion and teamwork.

They noted that  since it was introduced five years ago, touch rugby has grown not only in Metro Manila but also nationwide.

“Touch rugby has a very good chance of becoming popular in the country because of our Asian physique since we’re not tall and heavy,” said  Jimenez, “but fast and well-coordinated.”

The eliminations in each division will be a single-round series, with the top four teams advancing to the crossover semifinals whose winners will dispute the championship.

For details and team registration, interested parties can contact Nomads Bullettes president Clair Barberis at 0918-906-8332 or email her at [email protected].