New Team, New Management, New Direction For Philippine Rugby

Philippine Rugby Football Union (PRFU) have new sights for growth, announcing a new leadership team after an extensive recruitment process that attracted applicants from across the globe. PRFU is proud to announce and introduce the new leadership team that will take Rugby into the future.

Leading the charge for this new team is General Manager, Jake Letts. Letts has been linked to the Union for over 13 years and a former Team Captain, recording over 50 international appearances for the Philippine Volcanoes. Letts holds a Sports Business Degree and a Masters of Management from the University of Technology, Sydney. In 2013, Letts was officially brought on board with PRFU and held positions for Sponsorship and Marketing and National Teams prior to his appointment to General Manager.

“I’m excited about the appointment, I was lucky enough for many years to lead the team on the field as a Team Captain. I’m now looking forward to doing it more so off the field. I have been lucky enough to have experienced all the highs and lows of the Union. My goal will be to lead the union into an efficient management team focusing on team performance and a culture of success” shared Letts.

Letts is joined by a strong team of leaders as Philippine Rugby moves to a more strategically balanced organization, formulating and focusing on five key areas of the game: Elite Performance, Development, Sponsorship & Marketing, Tournaments & Events and Administration.

Elite Performance, headed by Chris Everingham, focuses on National Athletes and National Team Performance. Everingham was also a former Philippine Volcano, now a specialist Strength and Conditioning coach, nutritionist, dietician, and performance coach.

Development Manager, spearheaded by Angella (Acee) San Juan brings her skills and expertise to focus on increasing participation throughout the country, developing player pathways and community relationships, and implementing the recently approved safeguarding policy for children involved with PRFU. San Juan, together with Get Into Rugby Manager, Rose Lanticse, are pushing to introduce Rugby in all regions of the Philippines.

Jovan Masalunga continues to lead the Union as Tournaments and Events Manager, and additionally take on the training and education pathways for coaches, match officials, and rugby medical specialists.

Lorie Baclagon will continue Head of Administration, an integral support role for every aspect of the organization.

Ada Milby, Secretary General for PRFU, says of these appointments, “it’s an exciting time to be part of Philippine Rugby. With 2019 Rugby World Cup Japan, 2020 Olympics and Philippines hosting SEAG next year, it’s imperative for PRFU to have the right leadership in place to implement programs and use these upcoming cornerstone events to maximize exposure for rugby in order to start recruiting and identifying the next generation of Philippine Volcanoes and building the support needed for their continued success in the years to come.”

For more information on Philippine Rugby, contact the management team on their website www.philippinerugby.com