In a country that goes on a stand-still with every Manny Pacquiao boxing match, we can't deny that athleticism and Filipino pride are some of the things that we value as a nation. While basketball has longsince been the sport of choice for the majority, one that we've been dominating at internationally, yet still to be as widespread locally, is rugby.

While it may sound intimidating because of the physical exertion and the vast equipment used, we learned from the Philippine Volcanoes that it's actually not that complicated. Just ask it girl Atasha Muhlach who has actually played rugby with the boys even prior to our February 2023 shoot! 

With most of the group learning how to play locally, Volcanoes Jason Schirmer, Kai Stroem, Raph Barberis, and Dylan Davies shared during the shoot that their best moments together are actually playing "backyard rugby" and throwing balls—or ball-like objects like coconuts—at each other. Not only is it a great form of exercise, it's also a great way to build camaredie and community.

Learn more fun facts and trivia about Philippine rugby, our national team and their players and accolades by watching this episode of 10 Things!

WATCH: 10 Things You Probably Don't Know About the Philippine Volcanoes Rugby Team

1. They recently beat Japan for the first time in Philippine Volcanoes' history.

2. Raph's dad, Romain Barberis, was the first team captain of the Philippine Volcanoes.

3. The Philippine Rugby Football Union was created for the team to get tickets to the Hong Kong Sevens tournament.

4. The Philippine Volcanoes have a designated camp at the PhilSports Arena for training. 

 

5. The Philippine Volcanoes got their name from a World War II Fil-Am army regiment.

6. The Philippine Volcanoes won the SEA Games Gold in 2019 against Malaysia.

7. With the exception of Dylan, everyone in the group learned how to play rugby in the Philippines. 

8. The Philippines is hosting the biggest Rugby Tens tournament in Asia.

9. They find great honor in representing the country abroad.

10. They hope to grow the rugby community and be able to share the sport with more Filipinos.