PHILIPPINES: I WASN’T SURE OF THE FINAL DESTINATION, BUT I KNEW WHAT THE NEXT STEP WAS.

1. When did the women’s rugby movement start in your country and what is its history? How is rugby structured in your country?

The women’s rugby movement in the Philippines began to attract attention in 2008, initially through informal participation in touch rugby. Between 2006 and 2009, more structured development emerged under the guidance of the Philippine Rugby Football Union (PRFU), particularly with the introduction of youth programs. In 2010, the Philippines formed its first women’s national team, the “Lady Volcanoes,” who started competing regionally and even debuted at the prestigious Hong Kong 7s in 2011 as an invitational side—before the men’s team!

Women’s rugby in the Philippines evolved from a grassroots curiosity to a structured national representation. Initially, the sport grew in Manila and Cebu through social clubs led by expatriates, but as local interest increased, more Filipinas took the stage. The PRFU, supported by international partners such as Asia Rugby and World Rugby, began investing in gender-inclusive programs, coach training, and youth pathways. A key milestone was the Volcanoes’ participation in the Asian Women’s Sevens Series, which provided crucial international exposure. From there, the program expanded to include domestic competitions such as the PRFU Women’s 7s Series and development pathways for rugby 15s.

Since 2010, the team has regularly competed in Asia Rugby tournaments, proudly representing the country while also challenging stereotypes about women in contact sports. In 2018, the word “Lady” was officially dropped from the team’s name, to emphasize that all national athletes—men or women—are simply “Volcanoes.” Other initiatives, such as the partnership program “Pass It Back,” further supported women and girls’ progress, pushing the federation to commit to female inclusion not only among players but also among coaches and staff. According to recent data, there are 12 active rugby clubs in the Philippines, most of which support both men’s and women’s teams. Women’s rugby develops mainly through the PRFU Women’s 7s Series, regional tournaments, and school initiatives. The structure promotes inclusion at all levels—from grassroots to elite—and integrates opportunities for women in coaching, refereeing, and management, not only as players.

2. Do you think playing rugby has a social impact for a woman in your country?

Absolutely. In the Philippines, rugby offers women far more than physical fitness—it provides self-confidence, a sense of community, and leadership opportunities. Many women who join the sport come from marginalized backgrounds or limited resources, and rugby becomes a tool for social mobility, identity building, and empowerment. The team culture emphasizes discipline, respect, and resilience—qualities that translate directly into everyday life. Rugby also challenges traditional gender roles, presenting strong, competitive, and team-oriented women—traits often underrepresented in mainstream narratives. For many athletes, rugby is a platform for personal growth and a chance to become role models in their communities.

3. In your opinion, what can rugby offer to the women of your country?

Rugby can offer women in the Philippines a sense of belonging, purpose, and vision of possibilities. It creates spaces where women can take on leadership roles, both on and off the field. Through rugby, women gain access to global opportunities—education, travel, mentorship—and develop life skills such as goal-setting, communication, and teamwork. But perhaps most importantly, rugby gives women a voice. It invites them to be seen, heard, and respected as athletes and agents of change. For many, it is the first time they hear: You are strong. You are capable. You have the right to be here.

Extract from a video interview with Ada Milby
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0uFg0B2x4M

1. When did you start playing rugby and how you discover it?

When I moved to the Philippines to represent the country in rugby, all I knew was that I wanted to play. The next step then was becoming captain.

2. What has rugby taught you that has impacted your daily life? Can you give me an example of when a rugby mindset was useful?

For me, even off the field, in rugby administration, the principle is the same. I see something that needs to be improved (…) and I do my best to make a change. Everyone talks about the journey being the important part. (…) I stopped overplanning—and while I didn’t plan too much, life happened. (…) I wasn’t sure of the final destination, but I knew what the next step was. I had to be bold and courageous enough to say: “Yes, I accept the challenge.” Even if I was afraid or had doubts, I accepted and moved forward.

3. Can you give me 3 words that connect rugby to freedom?

• Choice: I have a choice—whether to accept it, change it, or walk away from it.
• Awareness: “My life doesn’t have to be this way. I can choose differently.”
• Advancement (implicit, linked to the metaphor of water): Even if it doesn’t look like you’re moving forward, you are.

4. What does live in a land of freedom mean to you?

In the Philippines, we are also a land of freedom, but there are still cultural barriers that prevent people from fully accessing it. (…) Many countries proclaim freedom, but barriers still exist. Freedom is that moment when you realize: “My life doesn’t have to be this way. I can choose differently.”

5. What object represents you and why? What is an aphorism that guides your life?

My personal object is: water. (…) Even when it looks still, water is waiting for its moment—to flow around or through the obstacle. A quote that guides my life: “How you do anything is how you do everything.” How you make your bed says a lot about how you approach big things. How you treat someone who holds the door open says a lot about how you treat anyone. Everything we do should be done with intention. That’s how I live my life.