http://www.prfu.com/content/view/85/160/
Philippine National 15s Squad Announced
The selection panel have chosen the following squad of 25 players for the Guam Test match on 20th May 2006.
It will be decided tonight whether we will travel with 25 or with 22. In the event that it is 22 the last three on the list will be on standby in case of injuries, failure to obtain visas etc. Of course, with over 2 weeks to go before the match there could be all manner of reasons why some players may not travel and therefore those who have not made the squad should not lose heart and should keep fit.
The board of the PRFU would like to congratulate those selected and know that you will make every effort to be prepared for the game and once on the pitch will perform to your highest levels both as individuals and as a team.
Please note the squad list was updated on 11th May 2006
Philippine National 15s Squad
1. Dave Thomas Nomads, 2. Chris Hettel Eagles, 3. Jerry Echter Nomads, 4. Dean Nelson Nomads, 5. Justin Puiu Chiefs, 6. Bryan Feldkamp Nomads, 7. Eric Savina Nomads, 8.Romain Barberis Nomads, 9. Chris Hartley Nomads, 10. Tom Egerton Eagles, 11.Evans Maina Nomads, 12. Max Stewart Nomads, 13. Jeffrey Betinol USA, 14. Noel Flowers Cebu, 15. Clay Lurasci USA, 16. Sean Redpath Chiefs, 17. Charles Jarvis Eagles, 18. Rener Paul MAAP, 19. Carlos Reporas MAAP, 20. Marlon Mardraso Eagles, 21. Carlito Abono Eagles, 22. Alvin Sandiego Eagles, 23. Jerry Branzuela Cebu, 24. Pauline Padayhag Cebu, 25. Jay Hilario Eagles
Note added 11th May:
It was decided on 7th May by the national selectors to include Chris Hettel in the national squad. Chris learnt all his rugby here in the Philippines at Brent International School. He was the Captain of the first Philippine National U19 team that played against the United Emirates. He can playhooker, prop and flanker. Chris was unable to attend the trials but after training on Saturday he made himself available for selection. As the team lacks depth in the forwards, the selectors decided to include him in the touring squad for Guam.
http://www.guampdn.com/apps/pbcs.dll...=2006605170318
Welcome to The Pacific Daily News on Guam.
Chamorro Standard Time: 9:04 PM 5/17/2006
Guam looking to improve international record Saturday
By Akash Shringi
For Pacific Daily News
First it was India, now it's the Philippines.
Nearly a year after tying India 8-8 in its first-ever rugby international test match, Guam will get a chance to compete against another international team.
So what does Guam need to come out on top this time around? "I think the Philippines' team will come out very strong -- just like how Guam did in its international test match debut against India," Guam captain Robb Malay said. "For us to win, really, we just need to stick to our own patterns. We also need to work on all the little things in practice to fine-tune ourselves for Saturday's game. I think everybody improved from last year's game. The good thing is the guys now have a significant understanding of the game." Win or lose Saturday, Guam will travel to Manila next month to face Pakistan. That game is scheduled for June 7. Right now, Guam is ranked 82nd in the International Rugby Board world rankings; the Philippines and Pakistan are unranked.
"The Philippines is very similar to Guam, with a mix of experienced expatriates and younger local Filipino players," said Stephen Grantham, president of the Guam Rugby Football Union. "They do not get much opportunity to play as a national squad, and this will be their first full international match ... they will need to control the ball in the forwards and then use their speedy backline to score the points."
Fiji native Peniasi Uluiviti is the head coach for the 22-member Guam team. Among the 22 players, there are 12 returnees: John Arceo, Kristian Berg, Leonard Calvo, Vinson Calvo, Paul Claros, Tim Clements, Steven McManus, Malay, James Oelke, Brett Railey, Steven Sablan and Chris Sgro. The nine first-timers are Andrew Artero, Paul Eustaquio, Junior Haro, Eric Kelly, Conrad Kerber, Vern Lokeijack, Jared Quichocho, Mike Rothermich and Tim Wendon. Eddie Calvo, the 22nd member, was supposed to play against India last year but suffered a leg injury."
We've started training together for about over a month now," Uluiviti said. "We've been good, but we'll see how good we are on Saturday. This team has a mix of older players and young ones. One of our goals here is to protect the future development of rugby."
The coach is inviting the entire island to come out and support the Guam team.
"And I'm sure it'll be a great game," he added.
Originally published May 17, 2006