By Jerome Lagunzad
Jake Letts (MB photo | Manny Llanes)Change has also come in the Philippine Rugby Football Union leadership.
Setting its sights on continued growth moving forward, the PRFU recently appointed former Philippine Volcanoes skipper Jake Letts as its new general manager.
One of the country’s most experienced players with 50 international appearances for the Volcanoes, Letts has been given his most challenging task so far since he started associating himself with the sports’ local governing body in 2005.
“I’m excited about the appointment and I was lucky enough for many years to lead the team on the field as a team captain. “I’m now looking forward to doing it more so off the field,” said the Fil-Australian standout.
“I have been lucky enough to have experienced all the highs and lows of the Union. My goal will be to lead the union into an efficient management team focusing on team performance and a culture of success.”
Aside from promoting Letts, the PRFU has also made some drastic changes in its bid to have “a more strategically balanced organization” while will focus on five key areas such as Elite Performance, Development, Sponsorship and Marketing, Tournaments and Events, and Administration.
“It’s an exciting time to be part of Philippine Rugby,” said PRFU secretary-general Ada Milby. “With 2019 Rugby World Cup Japan, 2020 Olympics and Philippines hosting SEAG next year, it’s imperative for PRFU to have the right leadership in place to implement programs.
“We want to use these upcoming cornerstone events to maximize exposure for rugby in order to start recruiting and identifying the next generation of Philippine Volcanoes and building the support needed for their continued success in the years to come.”
Chris Everingham, another former Volcano, has been tasked to lead the Elite Performance while the Angella San Juan has now been named as the Development Manager.
Jovan Masalunga will continue to lead the Union as Tournaments and Events Manager as well as Lorie Baclagon as the head of administration.