Volcanoes rugby team optimistic it can make 2020 Olympics

Rappler.com

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The Volcanoes, ranked fourth in Asia, are optimistic they can make the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as they prepare for a tough schedule of international events

The Volcanoes have high hopes for upcoming tournaments. Photo by Philippine Rugby Football Union

MANILA, Philippines – Qualifying in the rugby sevens event in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games in Japan is the ambitious goal of the Philippine national men’s rugby team, the volcanoes.

Volcanoes wing-prop Andrew Wollf believes the Philippines can earn one of the 12 qualifying spots based on the recent successes gained by the team highlighted by a stint in the 2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens in Russia.

“That is an achievable goal [Olympic Games]. We’ve been in competition shape and have been preparing for a number of tournaments this year,” said Wollf.

First up for the Volcanoes is the Asian 5 Nations next month where they hope to keep its position in the region’s premier 15-aside tournament.

The Volcanoes, ranked fourth in Asia, open the tournament against Hong Kong on April 26 then host top-seed Japan on May 3 and will travel to Sri Lanka’s Colombo Racecourse on May 17 before closing out the series against South Korea on May 24 in Manila.

The winner of the Asian 5 Nations series will automatically earn a spot to the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England while the next three teams will play in a qualifying match and the last placed squad will be relegated to Division I next year.

After the Asian 5 Nations is the 2014 Incheon Asian Games in South Korea where they will try to clinch a podium finish.

“If we maintain the same form that earned us a spot in the Asian 5 Nations and in the World Cup, I believe we have the chance to win a medal in the Asian Games. And hopefully, by we earn a spot in the Olympics,” Wolff added.

The team is also targeting the gold in the 2015 Southeast Asian Games in Singapore.

Japan automatically qualifies as host nation in 2022 while one spot are up for grabs in the regions from Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, South America and North America. Four qualifying berths are reserved from the top four teams in the 2014 to 2015 International Rugby Board (IRB) Sevens World Series while one more is at stake in IRB’s Intercontinental Preliminary Competition. – Rappler.com

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