Phl rugby union earns ARFU development award

MANILA, Philippines - The Asian Rugby Football Union recently cited the Philippine Rugby Football Union for its continuing effort to develop the sport, particularly at the grassroots level, and handed the ARFU Development Award for 2012 to the PRFU.

The award is given to a group or individual that has achieved outstanding success in the development of rugby, at any level of the game or in the aspects of playing, coaching, administration, training, capital development or rugby-related volunteer or charity initiatives.

The PRFU has been conducting free training sessions in the countryside and local club leagues. It is also the chief backer of the CBRE Juniors program, which counts students from various International Schools as well as several charitable foundations as its participants.

The award was presented to the PRFU during the Asian 5 Nations match between the Philippines and Hong Kong at the Rizal Memorial football stadium last May 4.

Meanwhile, the PRFU offers free Rugby 101 sessions every Monday and Wednesday at PhilSports field in Pasig and every weekend in Cebu and Davao. Plans are under way to offer these sessions in other areas of the country. Development officers are also teaching the sport to students at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, University of Makati, Quezon City Polytechnic University and to the children of the Clark (Angeles) Rugby Club, SOS Foundation, Tuloy Foundation, Child Hope and Bulacan Rugby Club. The PRFU has also stepped up its efforts in providing training for coaches and match officials.