Philippine Volcanoes featured in A5NTV- Four Teams that qualified for 2012 Hongkong Sevens

Check out this post-HK7s video featuring the #PhilippineVolcanoes & the other Asian 7s Series Qualifiers. Philippines beats Sri Lanka 28-18 in the Asian 5 Nations tournament to win Division 1 & move on to the Top 5. The Philippines is then promoted to the Elite Division of the A5N for 2013.

A5NTV featured the four teams that qualified for this year's Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2012: Japan, Hong Kong, China and the Philippine Volcanoes. HSBC also marked its return as title sponsor of the world-famous Hong Kong Sevens in 2012. Watch how Asia's best sevens teams went in the world's best sevens tournament!

Video credit: Asian5NationsTV

HSBC Asian5Nations Elite (Top 5) Division schedule from May 11-26

Catch HSBC Asian5Nations Elite (Top 5) Division match schedules from May 11-26.

The 2012 HSBC A5N features some exciting milestones including several new and high-profile international coaches, an increasingly tight competition at the sharp edge of Asian rugby, an expanded competitive format for Division 1 and the debut competition for ARFU’s newest associate member union, Afghanistan.

credit:bruneirugbywordpress

In 2012, 34 matches will be held across the Top 5 and five Divisional tournaments involving 25 ARFU member unions in 8 nations. To date, the HSBC A5N has hosted 114 matches in 17 countries around Asia, 21 of which have been broadcast to more than 30 countries around the world.

TOP 5 Elite Division:

1. Japan
2. Hong Kong
3. UAE
4. Kazakhstan
5. Korea

Michael Letts of PHL Volcanoes , voted BEST BACK at the A5N Division 1 Championships

Congratulations to Philippine Volcanoes, Michael Letts, voted BEST BACK at the A5N Division 1 Championships, Jake Ward- voted as BEST FORWARD of the Tournament and Steve Howorth, voted MAN OF THE MATCH for his heroic efforts in the final against Sri Lanka

Michael Letts (born 15 February 1985) is an Australian–Filipino rugby union player and is the captain of the Philippines national rugby union team.

image credit:PRFU

Video- Korea defeated Hong Kong 21-19- A5N Elite Division

Watch Korea defeated Hong Kong 21-19 on A5N Elite Division.

Korea turned in a sensational come from behind win at Hong Kong Football Club with a last gasp try to centre Park Noh Hoon to pip Hong Kong 21-19. Today's match marked Korea's first game back in Top 5 rugby after their relegation in 2010 and promotion as Division I champions last year.

video credit:asian5nationstv

Video- Philippine Volcanoes Rugby Team's Agawang Buko - It's More Fun in the Philippines

Watch the  Philippine Volcanoes Rugby Team's Agawang Buko - It's More Fun in the Philippines.

Let's help make a new global tourism ad for the country!

Everyone is invited to create and submit your own short videos showing the world why it's more fun in the Philippines. The best videos will be selected by DOT and Globe, and will be included in a new tourism ad to be shown all over the world—from Times Square, New York to Seoul, Korea!

To join:
1. Simply create a 15 to 30-second video showing the world why it's more fun in the Philippines
2. Upload it on Globe Telecom and DOT Facebook App athttp://on.fb.me/GlobeDOTapp
3. DOT and Globe will then select the best videos to be included in the ad. (May 31)

*videos are preferred but photos/memes are also welcome

Video- Chinese Taipei beat Singapore for 3rd Place in Asian 5 Nations Rugby Division 1

Chinese Taipei beat Singapore tonight in the 3rd/4th place playoff in Manila. Singapore is relegated to Division 2 in 2013. While Philippines defeated Sri lanka, 28-18, with the win, the Volcanoes gained entry into the Asian Top 5, which will send at least one Asian nation to the 2015 Rugby World Cup in London, England.

PHL Volcanoes vs Sri Lanka Replay

Philippines beats Sri Lanka 28-18 in the Asian 5 Nations tournament to win Division 1 & move on to the Top 5.

Asian 5 Nations Rugby Full Time: Philippines 28 - 18 Sri Lanka. Volcanoes win Division 1 and are promoted to the Top 5.

Replay of the Philippines' historic win against Sri Lanka in the Asian 5 Nations Rugby Division 1 will air tomorrow, April 22 at 5 p.m. on BALLS SkyCable Ch. 34.

The Philippines is promoted to the Elite Division of the A5N for 2013. Thank to everyone for your support!

LIVE UPDATE:

• We did it. The Philippines wins Division 1 of the Asian5Nations! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!
• Oli Saunders kick unsuccessful Philippines 28 - 18 less than 10 mins to go 
• Try by Justin Coveney the Flying Jeepney!!! Philippines 28 - 18 SL 
• Joe Matthews back in the game 
• Penalty kick awarded to SL is successful Philippines 23 - 18 SL. 
• Conversion successful Philippines 23 - 15 SL #GoPhlVolcanoes 
• Sri Lanka scores 2nd try while Philippines are on the field with 14 men #GoPhlVolcanoes 
• Yellow card for Joe Matthews. 10 mins in the sin bin 
• Conversion unsuccessful Philippines 23 - 8 SL #PhilippineVolcanoes 
• Try by Sri Lanka Philippines 23 - 8 SL
• 2nd half starts in a few minutes #Asian5NationsDiv1 
• Asian5 Nations Div 1 Final Half time score: Phils 23 - 3 Sri Lanka 
• Penalty kick for Sri Lanka successful Phl 23 - 3 Sri Lanka 
• 3 minutes to go in the half, Sri Lanka remain scoreless Phl 23 - 0 Sri Lanka 
• Oli Saunders on fire w another successful conversion Phl 23 - 0 Sri Lanka #GoPhlVolcanoes 
• Brilliant try by Joe Matthews from a pass by Oli Saunders!!! Phl 21 - 0 Sri Lanka #GoPhlVolcanoes 
• Conversion successful by Oli Saunders Phl 16 - 0 Sri Lanka#GoPhlVolcanoes 
• Try by Captain Mike Letts! Phl 14 - 0 Sri Lanka #GoPhlVolcanoes 
• Try-saving tackle by Oli Saunders! 
• Another successful penalty kick by Oli Saunders Phl 9 - 0 Sri Lanka#GoPhlVolcanoes 
• HSBC Asian 5 Nations: Sri Lanka vs. Philippines now live on@s23channel. Philippines 6 - 0 Sri Lanka 
• Oli Saunders penalty successful Phl 6 - 0 Sri Lanka 
• Another penalty awarded to Phils. Oli Saunders gearing up for the kick. 
• Great start by the Volcanoes. Penalty by kick by Oli is successful Phl 3 - 0 Sri Lanka

Video- Chat with Philippine Volcanoes

Video- Chat with Philippine Volcanoes, Michael and Jake Letts, Oli and Matt Saunders and Luke and joe Matthews.

A5NTV caught up with the 3 sets of brothers in the Philippines Volcanoes squad ahead of their Top 5 promotion battle v Sri Lanka.

Philippine Volcanoes vs Singapore Asian 5 Nations Rugby 2012 Live and Replay

Watch Asian 5 Nations Rugby: Singapore vs. Philippine Volcanoes on April 15, Sunday at 6:30 p.m. LIVE on Studio 23. Replay schedule will be posted here once it becomes available online.

Sri Lanka, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, and the Philippines will vie for a chance to be promoted to the A5N Top 5 and a shot at winning a spot in the 2015 Rugby World Cup to be held in England. This year’s tournament features a first-past the-post round robin format in which each team will play every other team over the course of a week, rather than the knock-out system previously used to determine promotion and relegation. 

The Volcanoes enter the tournament seeded 3rd behind recently relegated Top 5 nation Sri Lanka and 2011 Division 1 runners up Singapore.


RESULTS: APRIL 15, 2012: Philippines beats Singapore in their opening game. The Philippine Volcanoes will meet Chinese Taipei on their second game on April 18, 2012- 7:00 pm at Rizal Memorial Stadium- free admission.


Asian 5 Nations Rugby Full Time: Singapore 20 - 37 Philippines

image credit:prfu fanpage

The 2012 Volcanoes A5N squad:

Forwards: 
Phil Abraham, JC Bautista, Mat Bellenie, Terry Carroll, Austin Dacanay, Michael de Guzman, Michael Duhig, Kit Guerra, Chris Hitch, Chris Hettell, Steve Howorth, James Neilson, Tyler Perez, Nick Perry, Darran Seeto, Richard Taylor, Josh Tolentino, Jaime Urquijo, Jake Ward

Backs: 
Justin Coveney, Chris Everingham, Cleo Gomez, Jake Letts, Michael Letts, Joe Matthews, Luke Matthews, Jon Morales, Harry Morris, Patrice Olivier, James Price, Matt Saunders, Oliver Saunders, Kenny Stern, Brian West

Management: 
Expo Mejia (Head Coach), Jarred Hodges (Assistant Coach), Matt Cullen (Manager), Damian Raper (Physiotherapist)

The Philippines Volcanoes meet the media ahead of the kick-off of the HSBC Asian 5 Nations Division I championships.

Watch Phil. Volcanoes vs. Singapore Match Highligths:

Philippines vs Chinese Taipei- Asian 5 Nations Rugby 2012 Live and Replay

Watch  Asian 5 Nations Rugby: Philippines vs. Chinese Taipei on April 18, Wed at 6:30 p.m. LIVE on Studio 23. Replay schedule will be posted here once it becomes available online.

Sri Lanka, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, and the Philippines will vie for a chance to be promoted to the A5N Top 5 and a shot at winning a spot in the 2015 Rugby World Cup to be held in England. This year’s tournament features a first-past the-post round robin format in which each team will play every other team over the course of a week, rather than the knock-out system previously used to determine promotion and relegation. 

The Volcanoes enter the tournament seeded 3rd behind recently relegated Top 5 nation Sri Lanka and 2011 Division 1 runners up Singapore.

RESULTS:A5N Result: Full Time - Philippines 34 - 12 Chinese Taipei. PhlVolcanoes defeat Chinese Taipei 34 - 12. Congratulations to Luke Matthews for being named Man of the Match.

image credit:prfu fanpage

The 2012 Volcanoes A5N squad:

Forwards: 
Phil Abraham, JC Bautista, Mat Bellenie, Terry Carroll, Austin Dacanay, Michael de Guzman, Michael Duhig, Kit Guerra, Chris Hitch, Chris Hettell, Steve Howorth, James Neilson, Tyler Perez, Nick Perry, Darran Seeto, Richard Taylor, Josh Tolentino, Jaime Urquijo, Jake Ward

Backs: 
Justin Coveney, Chris Everingham, Cleo Gomez, Jake Letts, Michael Letts, Joe Matthews, Luke Matthews, Jon Morales, Harry Morris, Patrice Olivier, James Price, Matt Saunders, Oliver Saunders, Kenny Stern, Brian West

Management: 
Expo Mejia (Head Coach), Jarred Hodges (Assistant Coach), Matt Cullen (Manager), Damian Raper (Physiotherapist)

The Philippines Volcanoes meet the media ahead of the kick-off of the HSBC Asian 5 Nations Division I championships.

PHL Volcanoes vs Chinese Taipei, Match higlights: Video embed only from YouTube:

From Luke Matthews, whose brother Joe, scored twice in the opening match versus Singapore. Three sets of brothers play for the Volcanoes with more siblings on the way so the future of rugby in the Philippines is looking strong.

Philippines vs Sri Lanka- Asian 5 Nations Rugby Live and Replay

Watch Philippines vs Sri Lanka- Asian 5 Nations Rugby on April 21, Saturday at 4:30 p.m. LIVE on Studio 23! Replay schedule will be posted here once it becomes available online.

Sri Lanka, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, and the Philippines will vie for a chance to be promoted to the A5N Top 5 and a shot at winning a spot in the 2015 Rugby World Cup to be held in England. This year’s tournament features a first-past the-post round robin format in which each team will play every other team over the course of a week, rather than the knock-out system previously used to determine promotion and relegation. 

The Volcanoes enter the tournament seeded 3rd behind recently relegated Top 5 nation Sri Lanka and 2011 Division 1 runners up Singapore.


REPLAY:
Replay of the Philippines' historic win against Sri Lanka in the Asian 5 Nations Rugby Division 1 will air tomorrow, April 22 at 5 p.m. on BALLS SkyCable Ch. 34.

image credit:prfu fanpage

The 2012 Volcanoes A5N squad:

Forwards:
Phil Abraham, JC Bautista, Mat Bellenie, Terry Carroll, Austin Dacanay, Michael de Guzman, Michael Duhig, Kit Guerra, Chris Hitch, Chris Hettell, Steve Howorth, James Neilson, Tyler Perez, Nick Perry, Darran Seeto, Richard Taylor, Josh Tolentino, Jaime Urquijo, Jake Ward

Backs:
Justin Coveney, Chris Everingham, Cleo Gomez, Jake Letts, Michael Letts, Joe Matthews, Luke Matthews, Jon Morales, Harry Morris, Patrice Olivier, James Price, Matt Saunders, Oliver Saunders, Kenny Stern, Brian West

Management:
Expo Mejia (Head Coach), Jarred Hodges (Assistant Coach), Matt Cullen (Manager), Damian Raper (Physiotherapist)

The Philippines Volcanoes meet the media ahead of the kick-off of the HSBC Asian 5 Nations Division I championships.

RESULTS:

Philippines beats Sri Lanka 28-18 in the Asian 5 Nations tournament to win Division 1 & move on to the Top 5

The Philippines is promoted to the Elite Division of the A5N for 2013. Thank to everyone for your support!

• We did it. The Philippines wins Division 1 of the Asian5Nations! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!
• Oli Saunders kick unsuccessful Philippines 28 - 18 less than 10 mins to go 
• Try by Justin Coveney the Flying Jeepney!!! Philippines 28 - 18 SL 
• Joe Matthews back in the game 
• Penalty kick awarded to SL is successful Philippines 23 - 18 SL. 
• Conversion successful Philippines 23 - 15 SL #GoPhlVolcanoes 
• Sri Lanka scores 2nd try while Philippines are on the field with 14 men #GoPhlVolcanoes 
• Yellow card for Joe Matthews. 10 mins in the sin bin 
• Conversion unsuccessful Philippines 23 - 8 SL #PhilippineVolcanoes 
• Try by Sri Lanka Philippines 23 - 8 SL
• 2nd half starts in a few minutes #Asian5NationsDiv1 
• Asian5 Nations Div 1 Final Half time score: Phils 23 - 3 Sri Lanka 
• Penalty kick for Sri Lanka successful Phl 23 - 3 Sri Lanka 
• 3 minutes to go in the half, Sri Lanka remain scoreless Phl 23 - 0 Sri Lanka 
• Oli Saunders on fire w another successful conversion Phl 23 - 0 Sri Lanka #GoPhlVolcanoes 
• Brilliant try by Joe Matthews from a pass by Oli Saunders!!! Phl 21 - 0 Sri Lanka #GoPhlVolcanoes 
• Conversion successful by Oli Saunders Phl 16 - 0 Sri Lanka#GoPhlVolcanoes 
• Try by Captain Mike Letts! Phl 14 - 0 Sri Lanka #GoPhlVolcanoes 
• Try-saving tackle by Oli Saunders! 
• Another successful penalty kick by Oli Saunders Phl 9 - 0 Sri Lanka#GoPhlVolcanoes 
• HSBC Asian 5 Nations: Sri Lanka vs. Philippines now live on@s23channel. Philippines 6 - 0 Sri Lanka 
• Oli Saunders penalty successful Phl 6 - 0 Sri Lanka 
• Another penalty awarded to Phils. Oli Saunders gearing up for the kick. 
• Great start by the Volcanoes. Penalty by kick by Oli is successful Phl 3 - 0 Sri Lanka

Fiji Rugby Union "racist" comments against Philippine Volcanoes

Fiji Rugby Union post a "racist" comments against Philippine Volcanoes rugby team on their fanpage and twitter.

"The only thing Philippines about the Philippine team playing in the Hong Kong 7s is the name of the team," it said. 

Filipinos defend Philippine Volcanoes rugby team against 'racist' comment.

Meanwhile, at 11pm Manila time, the Fiji Rugby Board official Facebook page issued an apology for their earlier remark:

"To all our friends from the Philippines an unreserved apology...there was never an intention to be racist or direspectful. it was a tongue in cheek comment that shouldn't have been made. Our humble apologies."

The Fiji Sevens side is one of the most popular and successful Sevens teams in the world and has won the Hong Kong Sevens a record nine times since its inception in 1976. Fiji has also won theSevens World Cup twice, winning that event in 1997 and 2005 (coincidentally, the two times it has been held in Hong Kong). The Fiji national rugby union sevens team compete in the World Sevens Series, Rugby World Cup Sevens.

Meet Justin Coveney of Philippine Volcanoes- Videos

Meet Justin Coveney of Philippine Volcanoes. He's one hot lawyer. Justin Coveney has been on the Australian TV soap Home and Away. I said, Why were you on Home and Away? He said the modeling agency sent him.

 See justin in this ultra hot pictorial by Raymond Saldana.

Philippine Volcanoes' Justin Coveney scored a brilliant touchdown against Canada

PHL Volcanoes Loses to Canda 35-5 in Hongkong Sevens 2012- Video interview

The men’s Philippine rugby team made their debut at the premier Sevens Rugby tournament in the world, the Hong Kong Sevens, falling to 2011 Hong Kong Sevens Bowl Champion Canada 35 – 5 on Friday, March 23.

The Volcanoes second-half improvement was rewarded as Joe Matthews turned a Canadian turnover into a kick and chase that would likely have resulted in a try if not for a professional foul by the Canadian sweeper that lead to a yellow card.

While the final score may have been lopsided, the Volcanoes looked dangerous in stretches against a quality international side that defeated Wales, France, and Asian Champions Japan last year to win the bowl final.

Austin Dacanay of Philippine Volcanoes, posted on his Tweeter account: Tough game against canada today we shot ourselves in the foot. Looking forward 2 turning things around vs Spain in the morning.

Post-match interview with Philippines captain Jake Letts:


credit: text-rappler.com/video hongkong sevensfanpage

Philippine Volcanoes' Justin Coveney scored a brilliant touchdown against Canada

Rugby Hong Kong Sevens 2012 Schedule and Results

The Hong Kong Sevens is considered the premier tournament on the IRB Sevens World Series in rugby sevens—a variant of rugby union.

Organised by the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union (HKRFU), the event is held annually at the last weekend of March in Hong Kong, commencing on a Friday afternoon, and concluding on the Sunday evening. In 2012 the event will take place slightly earlier, 23 - 25 March.

SCHEDULE OF PLAY:

HSBC SEVENS WORLD SERIES - HONG KONG SEVENS

Pool A Pool B Pool C
1st Band Samoa New Zealand Fiji
2nd Band England South Africa Australia
3rd Band Argentina Wales France
4th Band Kenya United States Scotland

HSBC SEVENS WORLD SERIES QUALIFIER

Pool D Pool E Pool F
1st Band Tonga Canada Portugal
2nd Band Uruguay Spain Russia
3rd Band Hong Kong Zimbabwe Japan
4th Band China Philippines Guyana


SCHEDULE: FRIDAY 23RD MARCH

Match Time
1 16:00 Portugal v Guyana
2 16:22 Canada v Philippines
3 16:44 Tonga v China
4 17:06 Fiji v Scotland
5 17:28 New Zealand v USA
6 17:50 Samoa v Kenya
18:12 Women's Plate
7 18:40 Russia v Japan
8 19:02 Spain v Zimbabwe
9 19:24 Uruguay v Hong Kong
10 19:46 Australia v France
11 20:08 South Africa v Wales
12 20:30 England v Argentina

SCHEDULE: SATURDAY 24TH MARCH

Match Time
13 09:30 Russia v Guyana
14 09:52 Spain v Philippines
15 10:14 Uruguay v China
16 10:36 Australia v Scotland
17 10:58 South Africa v USA
18 11:20 England v Kenya
11:42 Women's SF
12:04 Women's SF
19 12:26 Portugal v Japan
20 12:48 Canada v Zimbabwe
21 13:10 Tonga v Hong Kong
22 13:32 Fiji v France
23 13:54 New Zealand v Wales
24 14:16 Samoa v Argentina
25 14:38 Japan v Guyana
26 15:00 Zimbabwe v Philippines
27 15:22 Hong Kong v China
28 15:44 France v Scotland
29 16:06 Wales v USA
30 16:28 Argentina v Kenya
16:50 Women's Cup
17:20 Entertainment
31 17:40 Portugal v Russia
32 18:02 Canada v Spain
33 18:24 Tonga v Uruguay
34 18:46 Fiji v Australia
35 19:08 New Zealand v South Africa
36 19:30 Samoa v England

SCHEDULE: SUNDAY 25TH MARCH

Match Time
37 09:00 Qualifer Placing
38 09:22 Qualifer Placing
39 09:44 Qualifer Quarter Final
40 10:06 Qualifer Quarter Final
41 10:28 Qualifer Quarter Final
42 10:50 Qualifer Quarter Final
43 11:12 Cup - Quarter Final
44 11:34 Cup - Quarter Final
45 11:56 Cup - Quarter Final
46 12:18 Cup - Quarter Final
12:40 March Past
47 13:15 Qualifer Play Off
48 13:37 Qualifer Semi Final
49 13:59 Qualifer Semi Final
50 14:21 Bowl - Semi Final
51 14:43 Bowl - Semi Final
52 15:05 Plate - Semi Final
53 15:27 Plate - Semi Final
54 15:49 Cup - Semi Final
55 16:11 Cup - Semi Final
16:33 Entertainment
56 16:40 Qualifer 3rd Place
57 17:02 Qualifer Final
58 17:30 Bowl Final
59 18:00 Plate Final
60 18:30 Cup 3rd/4th Play Off
61 19:00 Cup Final
19:25 Cup Presentation

RESULTS:
March 24, 2012:

• Full time Spain 21 - 5 Phl. Match vs Zimbabwe at 3pm. Go Volcanoes!
• Zimbabwe edges out the Philippines 21-17

Thia Megia wears Philippine Volcanoes Jersey

Thia Megia wears Philippine Volcanoes Jersey photo.

American Idol Finalist Thia Megia, cousin of Volcanoes National Head Coach Expo Mejia, supporting Philippine Pacific at the Las Vegas International Rugby tournament. Thank you Thia for being proudly pinoy!!

Rugby A5N Division 1 Championships Live on Rizal Memorial Stadium

Watch Rugby HSBC Asian Five Nations 2012 Division 1 Championships Live on Rizal Memorial Stadium. Mark your calendars for the A5N Division 1 Championships in April 2012!!

Division I – Team Profiles- 2011 Results:

Semi Final A SINGAPORE (2) 52 : 17 Malaysia (3)
Semi Final B KOREA (1) 34 : 20 Philippines (4)

3rd/4th Play-Off Malaysia 20 : 86 PHILIPPINES

FINAL Singapore 19 : 58 KOREA

HSBC Asian Five Nations 2012 Schedule. Click image to enlarge

Superbowl- Giants vs Patriots Video Replay Highlights

Giants beat Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI The New YorkGiants won their fourth NFL championship Sunday in Indianapolis.

Brady completed 27 of 41 passes for 276 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Hernandez caught eight passes for 67 yards and a score. New England’s Wes Welker had seven catches for 60 yards, but he couldn’t haul in a pass deep in Giants’ territory on the Patriots next-to-last drive that could have kept New York from getting the ball back at the end of the game.

Video replay and highlights of the match will be posted here once it becomes available online from video sharing sites.