Wallace says rugby is all about passion

MANILA, Philippines - Former Irish rugby superstar Paul Stephen Wallace has exhorted the Philippine Volcanoes to strive hard and play with a lot of heart as they brace for the Asian Games in South Korea later this year.

“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 are priming up for the Incheon Asiad slated Sept. 19 to Oct. 4 where they will slug it out with the best and the toughest in the region.

The Volcanoes are coming off 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 are set to see action again in the Asian 5 Nations tournament in April and May where they will go up against Asian powerhouse teams Hong Kong, Japan, Sri Lanka and South Korea. 

After learning of the Filipinos passion for basketball, Wallace said there is a chance they could also succeed 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 next World Cup just a year away.

“DHL has a long-standing 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.