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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider PH Volcanoes launch title defense in style, demolish Laos in Unions Cup opener

PH Volcanoes launch title defense in style, demolish Laos in Unions Cup opener

Published Jul 13, 2026 02:11 pm

At A Glance

  • The Philippine men's rugby team demolished Laos, 74-0, for a fitting start to its title defense bid in the 2026 Unions Cup at the NKRAFA Pitch in Thailand Sunday, July 12.
PH Volcanoes (Azrael Coladilla)
PH Volcanoes (Azrael Coladilla)
The Philippine men’s rugby team demolished Laos, 74-0, for a fitting start to its title defense bid in the 2026 Unions Cup at the NKRAFA Pitch in Thailand Sunday, July 12.
Going for back-to-back titles, the Volcanoes broke the game wide early after seizing a 34-0 lead entering the break then resumed the onslaught in the second half where debutant Kyle Westbrook sparked the assault that completely obliterated the Laotians.
With a quick and knockout format, the Nationals barged into the semifinal on Wednesday, July 15, where they face Singapore, which scored a 21-19 escape over Barbarian Asia.
“A strong start to our Unions Cup title defense. The Philippine Men’s Volcanoes delivered a complete team performance to open the campaign with a 74–0 victory over Laos,” the team wrote on its social media post.
“Every carry, tackle, pass, and try reflected the hard work this squad has put in together.
One game down. Eyes forward,” it added.
From four to eight teams, this year’s Unions Cup featured seven national Men’s XV crews and the Asian Barbarians – which was composed of players from different federations – that also marked its biggest cast in meet history.
In the last edition held at the Kaohsiung National Stadium in Taiwan, the country reigned supreme after routing Thailand, 23-6, in the final. The huge victory came after the Josh Sutcliffe-mentored crew tamed Singapore, 37-20, during the first round.
There, host Taipei snared the bronze off a 27-22 victory against Singapore.

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