Connect with us

Rugby

GUAM RUGGERS BRING BACK MAGELLAN CUP

Men’s first international test match since 2019

PRESS RELEASE – The Guam Rugby Union’s Men’s National Team beat the Philippine National Team Volcanoes Select XV in convincing fashion on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the Alabang Country Club Rugby ground in Manila, Philippines.

The 24-10 win over the World Rugby 40th ranked Philippine team allows Guam to hold the Magellan Cup trophy until the teams play again. The Magellan Cup competition was started as a way for the Guam and Philippine Rugby Unions to commemorate the long history between our communities that dates to our shared first contact with Magellan in 1521.

The victory marks an important return to competition for the Guam men’s team, which hasn’t played an international test rugby match since 2019.

After jumping out to the lead with a try in the 18th minute from fullback Zach Pangelinan, and a powerful running score just before halftime from Team Captain Brian Ramiro, Guam weathered a ferocious storm from the Philippine national team as the second half opened. After surrendering a try, and playing with a man down, Guam’s Anselmo Untalan III turned the tide with a long scoring run in the 55th minute, and put the game away for good in the 72nd minute with another try.

His efforts, buttressed by a punishing forward pack led by props Johnny Borja and Alex Shinohara, earned Anselmo Untalan III the tournament reward as player of the match.

The roster of this Guam Rugby National Team — the LATTE as they have come to be known — is of special note given the completely local development origin of the team. The men that dedicated themselves to representing Guam on the international stage yesterday represent familia, villages, and backgrounds from across the island, and developed their rugby skills in Guam’s High School Rugby Competitions; they are a unique blend of Geckos, Friars, Dolphins, Sharks, and Bulldogs.

Many of these national team players also serve as the coaches for the next generation of Guamanian rugby players currently developing in Guam’s Middle and High School Competitions.
Guam Rugby Union expresses its great thanks to the Philippine Rugby Union for their work in putting on a great competition, and looks forward to hosting the next leg on the competition on Guam in 2025, as Guam celebrates its 20th anniversary of playing international test match rugby.
The Head Referee appointed to the match was Rowan Turner of Hong Kong China Rugby. He was assisted by referee Alex Menard of Philippine Rugby, and Billy Chennaux of Guam Rugby.


2024 Magellan Cup Team
Head Coach: Leonard Calvo
Assistant Coach: Paul Claros
Assistant Coach: Rob Leon Guerrero
Physio: Ryan Claros
Team Manager: Natalie Frias-Calvo
Guam Rugby Union President: Stephen Grantham

Player Name & High School

  1. Alex Shinohara- FDMS
  2. Johnny Borja- GWHS
  3. Frank Arceo- GWHS
  4. Sporty Baza- SHS
  5. Joe Mateo- FDMS
  6. Tim Oftana- FDMS
  7. Brian Ramiro- FDMS
  8. RC Chaban- OHS
  9. Alejo Lujan- GWHS
  10. Tonu San Nicolas- FDMS
  11. Brandon Burgos- GWHS
  12. Austin Pangelinan- GWHS
  13. Eddie Calvo- FDMS
  14. Chris Sgro- FDMS
  15. Ratu Uluviti- GWHS
  16. Mike Mateo- FDMS
  17. Darren Tenorio- SHS
  18. Kelvin Hocog- GWHS
  19. Anselmo Untalan- GWHS
  20. Jayven Mendiola- OHS
  21. Carlos Fergurgur-GWHS
  22. John Martinez- GHS
  23. Zach Pangelinan- SSHS
  24. Jacob Flores- SSHS
  25. Will Williams- FDMS
  26. Joedee Reyes- SHS

Ad

GPS Sports Calendar

January

February 2025

March
SU
MO
TU
WE
TH
FR
SA
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
Events for January

1st

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Events for February

1st

No Events
Events for February

3rd

Events for February

4th

Events for February

5th

Events for February

6th

Events for February

7th

Events for February

8th

9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Events for February

9th

Events for February

9th

No Events
Events for February

11th

Events for February

11th

No Events
Events for February

13th

Events for February

14th

Events for February

15th

16
17
18
19
20
21
22
Events for February

15th

No Events
Events for February

16th

No Events
Events for February

18th

Events for February

19th

Events for February

20th

Events for February

21st

Events for February

22nd

23
24
25
26
27
28
1
Events for February

23rd

Events for February

23rd

No Events
Events for February

25th

Events for February

26th

Events for February

27th

Events for February

28th

COMING SOON …

QUICK HITS

The father-son duo of Kin and Don Pedro Cruz aboard @shutupandfishguam roped in this monster mamulan Saturday morning off the coast of Hågat. The mamulan fought for over 40 minutes on light drag.
—————————————-
Guam’s Team Yi Impact won the 10th Dreamers Youth Basketball Challenge in Manila, Philippines, taking the U18 girls division.

More in Rugby