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
- Alex Shinohara- FDMS
- Johnny Borja- GWHS
- Frank Arceo- GWHS
- Sporty Baza- SHS
- Joe Mateo- FDMS
- Tim Oftana- FDMS
- Brian Ramiro- FDMS
- RC Chaban- OHS
- Alejo Lujan- GWHS
- Tonu San Nicolas- FDMS
- Brandon Burgos- GWHS
- Austin Pangelinan- GWHS
- Eddie Calvo- FDMS
- Chris Sgro- FDMS
- Ratu Uluviti- GWHS
- Mike Mateo- FDMS
- Darren Tenorio- SHS
- Kelvin Hocog- GWHS
- Anselmo Untalan- GWHS
- Jayven Mendiola- OHS
- Carlos Fergurgur-GWHS
- John Martinez- GHS
- Zach Pangelinan- SSHS
- Jacob Flores- SSHS
- Will Williams- FDMS
- Joedee Reyes- SHS
alongside 64 of the world’s best with 20 countries represented.”
