December 28, 2015

Etihad Manila 10s: The Best Social Rugby Tournament in the World

PLAYERS get ready for the fight of their lives (this year).

The Philippine Primer attended the recently concluded 26^th Annual Manila 10s International Rugby Festival. It was the held last March 21 and 22 at the Nomad Sports Club in Paranaque. It started in 1989 as a way for the local (and then only) rugby club in the country, the Manila Nomads, to play rugby at a competitive level without having to tour regularly.

The tournament kicked off with the Rugby Lunch at the Marriott Hotel Manila. It was graced by former England International David Trick, Australia Captain Nathan Sharpe and legendary British Lion John Bentley.

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Photo grabbed from Manila 10s website

The fun-filled weekend could be summed up in six letters: TACKLE.

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STEADY, ready, go!

Talent. 32 participating teams battled it out to earn the right to be hailed Manila 10s champions. There were five divisions – Veterans, Shield, Plate, Bowl and Cup. Spectators were treated to extremely exciting games – no dull moment at all.

Abundance. There was an abundance of delicious food and beer during the games. And there was even more at the afterparty. All the teams, title holders or not, raised their glasses to another successful tournament.

Cause. Fans showed their support to Touch Football Pilipinas by lining up to their booth where they sold yummy pastries. The booth was aptly called Sweets For A Cause. Proceeds will help send the country’s touch football teams to Taipei and Australia.

Kids. It is a family event. One of the players we talked to said his kids grew up watching the tournament. They look forward to it every year.

BASTI busting a groove!

Love. One can just feel the love for the sport at the venue. Quoting David Feeney of the Manila Nomads, “It’s a life, it’s a love, it’s rugby. You know it makes sense.”

Energy. Cup champions JML New Zealand Warriors delighted the ladies, and gents, to an energy-filled haka. The traditional war dance was the perfect ending to the tournament’s awarding ceremony.

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