MEN’S RUGBY TO PLAY FIRST MATCH IN 5 YEARS

PRESS RELEASE – The Guam Rugby Union has selected a team of 26 players to play the Philippines men’s Rugby Team on November 09, 2024, at the Alabang Country Club field in Manila Philippines. The teams will play for the Magellan Cup, a revival of a rugby rivalry between Pacific neighbors that was first played in 2006, and takes note of the historical connection between our islands that dates to 1521. This will be Team Guam’s first game in over five years. 

The Philippines Men’s Rugby Club— known as the Volcanos—is currently ranked #40 in the world. Guam Rugby Union was founded in 1999, and the Union’s National Representative 15-aside men’s team has been representing the island since 2005 in various competitions since then.  According to Head Coach Leonard Calvo, “We are really excited to see where we stand after not having an international match in five years. We’ve developed a quick hard-hitting style of play that takes advantage of our physical size. I know our guys will lay it all out on the field for our island”. Guam Rugby union President Stephen Grantham explained that a unique aspect of Guam’s rugby national team is that “all 26 players selected came through the island’s High School Programs. That is something all of us Guam Rugby old timers are happy to see and a tribute to the Guam Rugby Union and its development of the sport here on Guam.” 

Team List:

Head Coach: Leonard Calvo

Assistant Coach: Paul Claros

Assistant Coach: Rob Leon Guerrero

Physio: Ryan Claros

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 Willilams- FDMS

26. Joedee Reyes- SHS

Union President Stephen Grantham