Philippines should be in the IRB World Rankings

I agree with Working class rugger, Iran has a lot of potential to rise in asian (not to mention world) rankings. but what is lacking is the finer knowledge of the game. while rugby starts from school level in other countries, in Iran it's different, it starts at the age of 18+. Iran's advance so far has been due to their natural instinct and physical ability for rugby but from now on they need much more than that. As for the Philippines they will definately rise to the top 5 in the near future.

Fat Boy 10's Agelies City, Philippines in August..be there.

Boris A couple of points of clarification: 1. The Philippines Rugby Football Union were accepted as full IRB members at the IRB Council meeting on Nov 25th, 2008. Since that date they have only played two test's - one against Iran, who are not a full IRB member, and the other against Guam. Of the 8 tests you refer to, 4 have been against Guam, 2 against Pakistan and 1 each against Brunei and Iran. Only Guam has been a full IRB member through out. Pakistan gained full membership at the same time as the Philippines and also has no IRB ranking 2. "Where do new countries start? New member countries start with a rating of 40, and their rating is treated as provisional until they have played 10 matches. The rankings are responsive to results and it is possible to get from the bottom to the top (and vice-versa) in less than 20 matches. Countries will normally have a rating between 0 and 100." This is quoted from the IRB website where you can see the intricacy of the calculations ... but, again, they only count full member countries playing full member countries so 10 matches could be a long way off. This seems like too many - in todays environment us minnows only play a maximum of 3 games a year, and in the lower echelon we are playing non-IRB members - that means 3 to 5 years to get a ranking .. We (Guamanian's that is) look forward to meeting up with Pakistan, Iran and Indonesia next year and wish the Phil's good luck in Division 2 - an interesting pool with half the world's population represented in India and China.. Let's just see what unfolds ..

Maybe they need a cerain amount of ranking points. There are several organisations spreading the word in the Philipines. They may never compete with the big but if they become a competitive force in Asia the game will only benefit. Thailand and China for that matter are improving. It would be great if the top 2 or 3 divisions eventually rise to a similar standard across the board. A country I still can't figure why we don't see more of is Sri Lanka. They have over 120,000 plays predominantly pre teens and teens. At a junior Rugby is huge there. Cricket would be the only game that exceeds it. The Sri Lankan RU need to look at establishing a National Comp so these young kids can play at the senior level and bring the 10,000 plus crowds they get a schoolboy games to the fore.It won't be the best comp but with the support Schoolboy rugby gets in Sri Lanka it ccould be great for Sri lankan Rugby. I agree I actually think that Iran will be promoted ahead of Guam. The Philippines had a far tougher time against the Iranians and the Iranians will be a better outfit next year as from my understanding most of their squad isn't that old. Iran to Div 3 in 2011.

I've met a couple of blokes from Philippines rugby at ARFU meetings and in regional touring sides - salt of the earth, and they've done a very good job there. While I never had the opportunity to go to one of them, their 10s and 7s tournaments are always highly praised (and would be worth Aussie clubs looking at in these days of cheaper airfares). I had assumed that the reason for not having a ranking was that they were still an associate member (like Laos, the country I was involved in at the time). If they are now a full member I'm surprised they don't have a ranking - perhaps you have to play a certain number of games before that is given?

It does make some sense that the Philippines could take to rugby, aside from their boxers and the occasional basketballer, they havent really make a dent on the world stage in sports, for example they didnt even enter a team to qualify for the FIFA world cup! They share some heritage with the Polynesians, and we know how good at rugby they are, and rugby is massive in Madagascar, who again share a similar heritage to the Filippinos.

Good to hear about the minnows. keep in mind Australia has been regarded as a bit of a make weight by the big boys like SAY and NZ. Rankings help encourage those plugging away in those countries, and also increase the profile of the sport in those countries. Remember, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe in cricket came from being minnows. Although the latter 2 still are really ...

The Philippines is actually a full member country and have played 8 full internationals. Most of the team is made up of Filipino heritage players (Filipino parents) who live overseas. But they are using these talented players and the publicity of the Asian Championships to spread the word, and coach youngsters at local schools and the Philippines military academy. I'm betting Iran will win promotion over Guam next year.

The Philippines is actually a full member country and have played 8 full internationals. Most of the team is made up of Filipino heritage players (Filipino parents) who live overseas. But they are using these talented players and the publicity of the Asian Championships to spread the word, and coach youngsters at local schools and the Philippines military academy.

True Tah Funnily enough that's where alot of the Iranian forwards have come from. They have a pretty big and strong scrum. They actually performed better than Guam against the Philippines. What lets then down is the lack of the finer skills, it will take them a while to get their yet.

WCR whilst both these countries are relatively poor and rugby does not spring to mind when you think of sport and these nations, there is certainly scope for rugby in both nations - they both have huge populations and a culture of tough sports (boxing-Philippines, wrestling - Iran).

Boris The Philipines have greatly improved recently and from what I have read played out of their skins to beat a much bigger Guam. I think they are an associate member of the IRB but not officially ranked yet. Should be though. Another honourable mention is Iran. Whilst still rather green in terms of international Rugby or for that matter Rugby in general they are making huge steps in their play. I was reading an article by the President of the Arabian Gulf Rugby Union on how he was contacted by the Iranian Rugby Union about support for the game in the country. Up until then he had no idea the game existed in Iran. They to should be ranked on the IRB standings. Have you read the reports on the rugbyinasia. com website.