It’s going to be anybody’s game when the Cebu 10s International Rugby Festival fires off at the Cebu International School (CIS) on Saturday, Nov. 10.
Fifteen teams, including foreign bets, are vying for the coveted title in what may be the largest rugby event in this side of the country.
All eyes will be on the defending champion Rhinos RFC from Hong Kong. But it will be a tough task ahead for Hong Kong’s bet as they face formidable squads from the Philippines, China, Japan, Singapore and Papua New Guinea.
“We are expecting a highly-intense battle. Rhinos are the defending champs but there are top-tier contenders in former champions Alabang,” said one of the organizers, Tonette Gambito, in a press conference at the Marco Polo Plaza.
“There are two new international teams that will surely gun for the finals. We will never know who will win,” Maggie Royo said.
Cebu will field four teams—Cebu Dragons, Barbarians, USC Warriors-Kings and Lapu-Lapu Jets.
“Seeing that individually we have the skills, I can say our team is better this year. Somehow our problem is chemistry but individual wise there’s talent and the heart to represent Cebu,” said Christian Buscas, who has been suiting up for the Cebu Dragons in the past five years.
Cebu Dragon’s Eric Samuel from Papua New Guinea said a tournament like this helps the exposure of the players and the growth of the sport here in Cebu.
The other participating teams are Palawan RFC, Clark Jets, Makati Mavericks, Manila Nomads, Alabang Eagles, Albay Volcanos, among others. Aside from the main tournament, there will be a sidelight event between Albay and the grassroots players from Cebu who are not more than 18 years old and below. (RSC)