Volcanoes see bright year after woeful ’17

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Volcanoes and Lady Volcanoes set out for a more explosive year after experiencing a mix of highs and lows in 2017.

The Pinoy ruggers look forward to vying for honors in the Southeast Asia Sevens in April, the Asia Rugby Championship in May, the Asian Games in August and the Asia Sevens Series, while the Lady Volcanoes are as determined to compete in the SEA Sevens and the Asia Trophy Series.

Meanwhile, the Junior Volcanoes aim for glory in the U20 Asia Sevens Tournament in July and the U19 Asia Rugby Championship in December in what looms as another busy year for Phl rugby.

“We’re looking forward to continue to grow in 2018 and reap success,” the Philippine Rugby Football Union said.

National teams head Jake Letts described 2017 as a “rollercoaster” year for the Volcanoes.

“A gold medal finish in the Asia Trophy Series in Doha was indeed the highlight. This team featured one of our strongest lineups of 2017 and the results showed,” he told The STAR.

This was followed by bronze medal feats in the SEA Sevens and ARC in Malaysia but when the SEA Games came, the Volcanoes hit a brick wall.

“The SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur was unfortunately not our best performance, finishing in fourth place (both men’s and women’s),” conceded Letts, whose wards relinquished their position as SEAG kings.

The Volcanoes won promotion to Division 1 in the Asia Sevens Series and managed to secure the Plate title in the tourney held in Sri Lanka.

“All in all, (it was) a rollercoaster of a year, with some high and some lows through 2017,” said Letts.