BACKGROUND -Starting in 1976, the Manila 10s is one of the oldest rugby events in South East Asia and has proudly claimed to be the best Social Rugby Tournament in the World. But recently the competition's driving force, the Manila Nomads, lost the 10's spiritual home ground in legal battles, and the legendary competition is in deep trouble. Fortunately the Cavite Race Course has come to the rescue. Now the question arises, can the Manila Tens rediscover their mojo in 2017?

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FRIDAY NIGHT - The Marriot Hotel hosts the traditional Manila 10s long lunch, a fund raiser for the Phlippine Football Rugby Union (PRFU), bringing together the who's who of the Philippines Rugby. This year it has attracted high profile Rugby personalities host John Bentley (England/ British Lions), Brendan Cannon (Wallabies) and Fergus Slattery (Ireland/ British Lion). Each gentlemen thrilled the full house with witty banter and side splitting Rugby stories as we tucked into our meal. Next a wide range of jerseys and  sports items were auctioned with proceeds going to the PFRU. The lunch went deep into the afternoon and it gave me time to meet my hosts for the weekend, The Manila Nomads who, after a solid afternoon of food, beverages and laughs, took me back to Makati to enjoy some pre-tournament socialising.

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SATURDAY  - After 27 years at the same venue, the Nomads were nervous to see how the Cavite Race Course would work out.  They need not have worried. The grounds were in top condition and the sea of tents and marquees, provided players, patrons and sponsors with everything required. As I wandered around the grounds the mood of the players from the 29 contact teams was not only positive about the tournament, but about Rugby in the Philippines in general.  Rugby here is a sport on the move and if you have seen the video (above) you can see the excitement in the young Filipino's eyes.  I heard numerous stories about commited individuals, businesses and Rugby Club based in the Philippines,  and abroad, have invested themselves into  Filipino Rugby. In all the places I have covered Rugby in Asia thus far, the Philippines seems to be one of the most cohesive and fast moving Rugby Nation in Asia. It is no wonder they are having success at the international level. 

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SATURDAY NIGHT - Many of the touring clubs return to Makati and eventually find themselves at Cafe Curieux, one of the key sponsors and organisers of the Tens. Here much food and beverage is enjoyed as Filipino hospitality and good times role on deep into Sunday morning.

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SUNDAY - About half way throigh its second day,  junior teams were given a run on the big stage. Unsurprisingly the young Filipinos showed great enthusiasim. The skill level and toughness by the kids was at a standard up there with so much Junior Rugby I have seen in the Asia. 

The finals came and went, and it didn't matter who won or lost as those who got on the podium to collect their awards celebrated with songs and dances with great vigour. Observing this, it was evident to me that the change of venue had not changed a thing - the Manila Tens was social tournament back with a vengence. The Manila Nomads had succeeded and Philippines Rugby was all the better for it

 

CONCLUSION - Its Sunday night and the tournament has officially ended. Looking around a flood lit field scattered with court sessions, team bonding sessions and other pockets of happy folk socialising, I recall something one of the organisers Max had said earlier - next year they were going to hold the Manila 10s on the weekend leading into the Hong Kong Rugby week. Whoa! Can you imagine going from Manila 10s straight to Hong Kong? Is there such a thing as too much Rugby Socialising? In 2018 I hope to find out - wont you join me?

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