Asian Nations Rugby

The Asian 5 Nations has been a big step forward for rugby in the region and has gained some much-needed exposure for the sport in the region.

Japan once again proved that they are just way ahead of anyone else at this point in time, but i do believe the gap is narrowing.

As you may, or may not know, Div. 2 of the tournament will conclude in Bangkok on Saturday, June 14. The final will be played between top-seed Malaysia and second seed Thailand, with the winner moving up to Div. 1 next year and keeping their dreams of a World Cup berth in 2011 alive. The 3rd/4th place playoff will be decided between India and Pakistan, with not much on the line, this will be more of a grudge match than anything else, and I'm sure the two countries have many differences to work out.

Whilst i am a big supporter of the tournament, i can't help saying that there is a major glitch in their promotion and relegation strategy. Relegation and promotion only exists in the top 3 divisions, whereas the 4 regional competitions, which include twelve teams (including the Philippines) currently have no chance of breaking into Div. 2 and proving themselves. This is particularly tough for the Philippines, as we played both Pakistan and India in the years prior to the competition and while defeated were not outclassed by any stretch. With developing teams like this, there needs to be some kind of carrot offered by the ARFU to motivate them to get better and eventually move up the ranks and challenge for a spot in Div. 2. Until this is devised, i will stand firm on the ideal that this tournament is ultimately flawed, and while closing the talent gap between the higher ranked teams, will leave a vast canyon between the teams playing in the Division competitions and those playing in the regional ones.

Philippine rugby is very much on the rise, a silver medal in the recently concluded SEA Games in Thailand, where we beat Malaysia en route to the final, and a core group of young, talented players, means that we are only going to get better and aim for bigger and brighter things. The team will come together within the next fortnight to train and prepare for the regional tourney against Guam and Brunei in Guam. A competition that we must win convincingly to attract the attention of the ARFU to the need to develop a promotion and relegation system between Div. 2 and the regional games.

So, from this very staunch Volcanoes supporter, i want to say to all the boys going to Guam --- give 'em hell lads...