By Jerome Lagunzad
Right on the local soil, the Junior Philippine Volcanoes intend to explode today when they take on tournament favorite South Korea as the U19 Asia Rugby Championships get going at the International School Manila in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
Boosted by the return of Kai Ledesma Stroem, Rhys Jacob Mackley and Ryan Ralston Santos, the fourth-ranked Junior Volcanoes are expected to have their hands full against the second-seeded Koreans in their 5 p.m. encounter.
But Stroem, last year’s team skipper, is unfazed. “Its always exciting to be part of this program each year. We are expecting another tough encounter in our first match. We have been in training camp preparing well under our coaching staff and we’ll be ready,” he said.
While Stroem and Mackley are already making their mark on the seniors level, Santos is tipped as a potential top draft pick for the US system after finishing his studies at the ISM next year.
More than claiming the coveted title, Philippine Rugby director Jake Letts said they are more eager to find talents who will be the backbone of the touted Volcanoes in the near future.
“The U19 program is a youth development program, nurturing young talent and identifying future Volcanoes. It allows these athletes the opportunity to play on an international stage. Having a successful National Youth Program ensures the Volcanoes and the national Rugby team has depth for the future,” he said.