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
