James Halasan Ryan, a Filipino-British hooker who last played for the Philippine Junior Volcanoes in 2018, made a powerful comeback with the men’s 15s team, helping deliver a stunning 23–6 win over Thailand to claim the Unions Cup title in their Asia Rugby Championship Division 1 debut on July 12 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
"Winning the Cup lit something up in me, not just pride, but hunger. So yes, if all goes well, I absolutely plan to continue playing for the Volcanoes," Ryan said in an interview with SunStar Davao.
Sidelined since 2019 by funding gaps, shifting focus, and the pandemic, the Philippine men's 15s rugby squad quietly stayed ready behind the scenes, waiting for their shot.
That moment came, and they delivered.
The match was a close fight at 8–6 just after halftime, until Ryan made his mark. He charged over the try line off a dominant forward push to stretch the lead to 13–6. Kai Stroem coolly nailed the conversion, and the Volcanoes never looked back.
More than a game
"Winning the Union's Cup felt amazing," Ryan said, "There's a sense of fulfillment and pride in knowing that all the hard work, the training, and sacrifices paid off. We were locked in, and it showed. That win felt like validation for everything we’ve been building toward as a team."
Putting on the national jersey again, he added, was an experience he’ll never forget.
“It’s not just about playing rugby, it’s about honoring the culture and the people who support us. There’s something special about this team. The camaraderie is real.”
Ryan also praised the team’s chemistry—a solid blend of seasoned vets and rising stars, which he said gave the squad a perfect balance of energy and experience.
“There’s a sense of unity in this team you don’t find everywhere. That connection really drove us during the tournament,” he said.
He noted that although the level of competition was fierce, "that’s what makes playing for the Volcanoes so thrilling. Every game, every play, felt like it had purpose. Being part of that journey again was something I’ll cherish for a long time."
Reflecting on his role in the victory, Ryan remained humble but clear about the impact he aimed to make on the field.
to make on the field.
“I tried to keep the team focused and grounded, especially during high-pressure moments,” he said. Whether it was locking down set-pieces, stepping up on defense, or simply keeping the energy high when tension ran thick, Ryan focused on doing whatever the moment demanded.
“It’s often the little things—communicating, supporting teammates, staying disciplined—that turn the tide in big games,” he added.
Still, Ryan was quick to shift the spotlight back to the team. “It wasn’t about one person. Everyone—from the starters to the bench—played a critical role. We trusted each other, and that’s what made lifting the Cup possible.”
But for him, winning the Union’s Cup wasn’t just about the scoreboard—it reignited a deeper purpose.
Homecoming that hits different
After the tournament, Ryan returned to Davao—a grounding, emotional homecoming he didn’t know he needed.
The second he stepped off the plane, memories and meaning rushed in. “The warmth of the city, the familiar scent of durian in the air (you either love it or... tolerate it), and the sight of Mount Apo in the distance—it all felt like a homecoming I didn’t know I needed.”
Old friends and family greeted him at the airport. But it wasn’t just about nostalgia. Ryan made sure to reconnect with the rugby community that shaped him, visiting the SOS Children's Village, home to a budding rugby club, and speaking to young hopefuls hungry for their shot at glory.
And for Ryan, only child of British scientist Edward and Dabawenya nurse Fe, the journey is far from over. It’s only just beginning. MLSA