Volcanoes seek big finish in Asian rugby

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Volcanoes set out for a strong showing in the culminating stop of the Asia Rugby Sevens Series beginning today in Sri Lanka as they eye a podium finish in the three-leg competition.

After placing fourth in the Hong Kong leg and fifth in the Korea leg, the Filipinos occupy No. 4 position in the overall table with 12 points, one behind third-running China. Japan, which swept the Cup in the first two stops, paces the field with 24 with Hong Kong running second with 20. Sri Lanka totes the same card as Phl while Korea carries nine points, Chinese Taipei six and Malaysia two.

“The last time we ranked in the Top 3 was in 2013; since then we have been floating between fifth and 10th. So it’s great to see that the Volcanoes will once again be competing for that podium finish in the Sevens Series,” said Philippine Rugby general manger Jake Letts.