International Rugby

In speaking with several rugby players and people associated with the game, I have found that nearly everyone involved with rugby has a few of their favorite "rugby moments", whether a great tackle witnessed in a game, a particular story about a rugby social, or a great tournament they were involved in. These stories often surface during bragging contests, when a simple tackle becomes a "massive hit" and beating two players for a breakaway turns into "beating the whole team". I once had a coach who would always, always, speak of one impossible conversion he scored 30 meters away from the try-line at an steep angle to tie the game (on a side note, I was there, and while the kick was impressive, our team ended up losing the game because of a series of tackles he later missed). Rugby's ability to create meaningful memories is a powerful force in the gravity the sport generates.

One of my most-prized rugby memories is of traveling to Taiwan in late 2006 to compete in the Under 19 (U19) Asian Championships. I have had the privilage of spending several years in the Philippines, learning the game of rugby from some outstanding coaches. These coaches have been integral not only in my own understanding of the game, but also in spreading rugby throughout the Philippines. During my time there I was offered a position on the newly formed U19 National team, since the Philippines is still developing the sport and non-native players are eligible to play. Several other Philippine nationals from the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Philippines were also added to the team, making a strong pool of seasoded players. In 2006 this team, lead by our coach, made its way from all over the globe to Taiwan to play in the Asian Championships.

During the course of the tournament we played a total of three hard-fought, games. We faced several obsticales including injuries and breakdown of play, but despite only playing together for a few weeks our team managed to work extremely well together and win all three games, earning us the Division II Championship! The final match was particularly rewarding, as we beat the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a team that had traveled to the Philippines in 2004 and ousted us 55-7. Still a "developing" rugby country, with this win the Philippines stands a very high liklihood of being promoted to "developed" status and being entered in Division I.

I will always remember the players, games, and events that occured during this tournament, as well as the experiences I gained through it. If you want to read the rest of the story or view the results of the tournament, go to The Philippines Rugby Football Union web-site. Also, for information on the US national teams go to USA Rugby. Go make some memories of your own.