Philippines gearing up for historic women’s competition

The Philippines host this year’s Asia Rugby Women’s Championship Division I and they are looking forward to putting on a strong performance in front of their home crowd.

With their male compatriots having claimed a second successive men’s Division I title, this is an opportunity to showcase how far their programme has come.

Started in 2010, there are now over 200 women playing the sport and this is another opportunity to showcase the sport on an international stage, which is also acting as a Women’s Rugby World Cup 2021 qualification pathway tournament.

Head coach Andy Brown is excited about the upcoming challenge which sees the Philippines play India in Wednesday’s semi final.

“I came into the team a few months ago and I am really impressed with the talent, the spirit and the effort of the girls,” said Brown.

“This tournament is important in more ways than one.

“It is on home soil, it is a challenge for us, and it’s a chance to show how much women’s rugby has grown here in the Philippines and reach the next level of competition in Asia.

“Women’s rugby is growing really well, we have 12 clubs, over 200 women playing and a number of schools playing, and now at international level we are getting more professional.

“With the opportunity to qualify for Women’s Rugby World Cup there is more emphasis on this tournament as that would mean so much to all the girls.”

All the matches from Manila can be seen live

on Asia Rugby’s Facebook page