Volcanoes’ skipper joins elite NZ camp

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines’ Under 19s Rugby Union team captain Kai Stroem is currently in New Zealand to train with the top young players in the International Rugby Academy New Zealand (IRANZ) Elite Juniors Training Camp in Palmerston.

The IRANZ high-performance training camp is considered as one of the world’s top-level Rugby Union training centers. Its coaching staff boasts of All Black legends Christian Cullen, Justin Marshall, Murray Mexted, and the current Rugby World Cup-winning coaches Graham Henry and Steve Hansen. 

“I can’t believe I’m travelling to New Zealand to train with the best young players at such a world-class academy like IRANZ,” said Stroem, a half-Filipino, half-Norwegian student based in Manila.

Stroem earned the rare invite after heading the Philippine U-19s Volcanoes team that took part in the Asian U-19s Division 2 Championships last December.

When the idea to send an aspiring Filipino rugby player to New Zealand came up, Manila-based New Zealander, Steve Payne, managing director of JML Philippines and Philippine Rugby Football Union (PRFU) Trustee, approached Chris Shearer and James Chant of SEAPAC Philippines Inc.

Since 2010, SEAPAC Philippines has supported the growth and development of Rugby Union in the Philippines by sponsoring the country’s national team – the Volcanoes – as well as the PRFU’s various grassroots development programs.

“As captain of the Philippine Under 19s team, it is an honor and privilege to be able to take part in this course. I would like to thank SEAPAC Philippines for creating this once in a lifetime opportunity for me,” said Stroem.

The 17-year-old Stroem has two more years to lead the team. His main goal for attending the IRANZ course is to pass on what he learns to his teammates, and help the Under 19s Volcanoes to a top four ranking in Asia. He also eyes a spot in the men’s national team.

The Philippine Rugby Football Union currently runs National Under 19, Under 16, and Under 14 programs, and continues to identify local talents to become members of the national team.