CLARK FREEPORT -- The Philippine Rugby Team in the ongoing Southeast Asian (SEA) Games was impressed with the sports facilities in this freeport.
The team said the Clark Parade Grounds is an ideal sports venue for rugby, one of the fastest-growing sports in the country.
In a recent interview, Philippine Rugby Team coach Andy Brown said that they are impressed with the preparations made at the sports venues here, especially at the Parade Grounds.
He made the statement following the win of Philippine Women’s team over Malaysia at 31-5 in the Rugby 7s held at the 22-hectare Parade Grounds here.
Their counterpart in the Men’s Division also handily won over Laos at 43-0.
"The venues are outstanding and the way that they set-up the pitch here (Parade Grounds), considering that there was no pitch here before. I think they did a really good job here," he said.
Brown also mentioned that the Parade Grounds has a unique pitch or playing field, making it an appropriate and recommendable site for the game. He also cited the other services and accommodations available near the area.
"Clark has a wonderful pitch here and I definitely recommend it and its great facilities. With all the things that are going around here as well as the restaurants and everything else, it’s really good," Brown said.
Similarly, Brown shared that the hosting of the country for the 30th SEA Games here has been commendable.
"I think it’s really good and they’ve done a great job so the Filipinos should be proud of their selves,” he said.
The Clark Parade Grounds is the official venue for the Rugby 7s and Archery competitions. Other competition sites in this freeport include Royce Hotel, Friendship gate area, and The Villages among others.
The same observations were also shared by Rick Santos, president of the Philippine Rugby Association.
"They’ve done an excellent job here in Clark," he said.
Santos also mentioned that they are looking at the possibility of making Clark as one of the main venues for training and local and international competitions.