The Philippines Defend Unions Cup Crown in Thailand – Finals Day Reactions

The Philippines went back-to-back and defended the Unions Cup Men’s XV title in Thailand, defeating Malaysia 39-18 at the Nonthaburi Provincial Stadium on Saturday, 18th July 2026. Chinese Taipei beat Singapore to claim third overall; Thailand were 5th with a last-play win over the Asian Barbarians, and Guam ended with a big win over Laos to finish 7th.

Feature Photo Credit – CTRU

Unions Cup 2026 Final: Philippines 39-18 Malaysia

The two highest-ranked teams and best teams across the Unions Cup week had made the final. The last time they had met in a Test match was in 2017 in the regional Division 1, and Malaysia won 40-17. In 2016, the Philippines had won 15-10.

The Philippines had the early dominance in terms of territory and possession, but couldn’t convert the first few chances. The Volcanoes front rower James Ryan then crashed over for the first points in the final, which was converted in the 5th minute.

Malaysia reacted and created their own chances and won several penalties. The Philippines defence held, and eventually the Malaysians opted for the points with a successful kick in the 11th minute to trail 3-7.

Both sides put in some big hits and forced mistakes, and there was no change in score by the water break.

Photo Credit – CTRU

After the quarter, Malaysia were camped on the Philippines’ try line and eventually broke through with second row Harith El Iskander Shah scoring a converted try.

The Volcanoes right-wing Jason Shirmer nearly scored with a fantastic line break, but the period of the game was tense and scrappy. The defending champions added a penalty of their own to tie it up 10-10 close to the half-hour mark.

Bunga Raya then struck back with an excellent line break by flyhalf Aqasha Daniel Irwan, who scored his team’s second try for a 15-10 lead. It was all square at the break when Philippines Edlen Hernandez scored a try, but the conversion was charged down.

Both sides were guilty of giving away penalties in the second half, and the Philippines had a try not given by the TMO. They created the better chances and, after earning a penalty within the opposition 22m, went for a tap and go and Richard Lewis scored the side’s third try in the 50th minute to retake the lead 22-15. They added another penalty minutes later, and it was 25-15 at the water break in very hot conditions.

Photo Credit – CTRU

Malaysia slotted a penalty after the short break, but then the Philippines scored an excellent try with pick up the middle of the field by Kai Stroem, and the side showed great hands to allow Charles Warren to score in the corner, with a great conversion by Ryan Curtis for a 32-18 lead.

With the team in the ascendancy and having grabbed control of the game in the half, they finished with a final try late in the game from another pick and go; Connor Browne crashed over near the posts to seal the 39-18 win, and the final whistle was met with the players in blue storming the field for a well-deserved embrace.

Match Reactions

Philippines Tommy Kalaw Gilbert said after the win, “Absolutely on top of the world – it’s a special program as we have Filipino heritage players from around the world come together only a few days on the pitch before our first game against Lao, and then to back it up with the short turnaround against Singapore and to come here and face a strong Malaysia team in the final – I am just so happy for the boys right now.

We always knew they were going to be an 80-minute team and we were ready to go for 110 minutes. So it was about sticking to the process, and we kept going through the front door and sent the big boys through, and we knew we could get it in the end. 

We really want to make sure, and it’s our job, this group for players and those coming through, to put Philippines rugby on the map and to keep climbing the ranks through Asia and put us higher on the world stage one day. We really want to give young Filipino athletes something to aspire to and that’s what we take pride in,” added Tommy Gilbert.

Photo Credit – PRFU – Philippines Tommy Kalaw Gilbert (on the right)

Volcanoes two-time Unions Cup winning Head Coach Joshua Sutcliffe said of the game: “Penalties, penalties, penalties in that first half – I don’t know how many we gave away and I don’t know how we kept 15 players on the pitch. We put ourselves under pressure, and we gave them easy entries into our half. I think they were in our 22m for a good 8-9 minutes, so to only concede the points that we did showed the resilience of the team, but we dont need to put ourselves under that type of pressure.

So the call at halftime was “Let’s play what we can play and what’s in front of us and stop making it up”, and we did that well and got the rewards in the second half. 

Lots of little moments too, like Jason Schirmer at fullback with that magical pickup and Kai Stroem breaking the line, which allowed Charles Warren to score.”

He said of where to next, as the Philippines will be hosting the SEARF Women’s XV edition and the Unions Cup 2027 in the Philippines, “Hopefully we get another camp together with the Rising Stars in the Philippines and then the Unions Cup. We need more support, and we need more sponsors, and if that happens we can look at other opportunities, but we have to consolidate where we are and take what we get.

It’s less about the trophy; it’s more about the boys. When you get 37 guys put their trust in you and turn up here, and you care about every single one – those relationships and the ability to connect and invest in young Filipinos – that’s the best part,” said the Philippines Head Coach.

Photo Credit – CTRU

Malaysia Head Coach Duke Krishnan said of the final, “Today we decided to select a team in line with the long-term development, and we had 13 starters who earned their first caps this week, and we had some experienced players among the reserves.

I am preparing this team for the Asia Rugby Men’s Division 1 Championship, so when I was selecting the team, I had to struggle with all of these things: my own ego, my vision and goals for the team and I kept going back to what I promised the team: we said we would prioritise the development.

So we had a young team and gave them the chance, as we won’t get another opportunity at this high level – the result was less important as I wanted them to play a high-level team to see what they can learn, and it’s important they experience that against a good team like the Philippines.

We also have big wins aside from not winning the trophy, such as the data from the games and on the players, and what we need to work on to move forward.

The players have felt this disappointment; we can use that – we can not simulate that feeling without going through this and being here. We couldnt win it, and we lost to the better team, so now they have the learning and the motivation to keep on building, and we can get to work.”

You can watch the 3rd place and Final matches here.

Unions Cup 2026 3rd place: Chinese Taipei 47-22 Singapore  

Unions Cup 2026 3rd place: Chinese Taipei 47-22 Singapore

Chinese Taipei had defeated Singapore in both previous editions of the Unions Cup in close games, and they scored in the first minute, but the TMO decided it had been held up. Moments later, they were on the scoreboard when their prop Cheng Yu Yeh went over from close range.

They were 10-0 up soon after as their backs were punching holes in Singapore’s defence and able to whip the ball wide to get around the edges – it stayed the same score by the end of the first quarter.

Both teams created chances in the immense heat, but some decision-making from both teams in attack was not great as physical and mental fatigue were tested.

Chinese Taipei were creating more clear-cut chances and scored a third try to lead 17-0 as Cheng Yu Yeh bagged a brace of tries. Singapore scored a penalty kick at the break.

Photo Credit – CTRU

In the second half, Chinese Taipei extended the lead with a 4th try after Singapore had fumbled the ball in defence, but the 5th try was excellent. A delightful chip through by the scrumhalf was collected by the outside back for a 31-3 lead. They soon added another try and a penalty and looked to have sealed the game.

Singapore, to their credit, kicked a fantastic 50/22 and scored a try from the lineout with a drive and #8 Hugh Lindsay scored. The victors struck back again – their backs were absolutely ruthless and cut the defence to ribbons – the outside centre scored for a 44-8 lead with 15 minutes left. Singapore scored two tries late in the game via wing Muhammad Izdihar and Maurice Wong, while Chinese Taipei added one more penalty to claim third place.

Match Reactions

Chinese Taipei’s number #17 Li Sheng Yan-in told us, “We said in our pre-game prep that we wanted to maul a lot and create pressure in the scrums, and our backs are very quick, and we have some great stepping players – they created a lot of opportunities today and executed well. I am very happy with the win and to finish 3rd.”

Photo Credit – CTRU

Singapore centre Maurice Wong explained, “This week has been amazing as we rarely get good Test match footy so we can all plan and look forward to the Unions Cup if it stays as a regular feature on the calendar. It means we can keep growing and not just the boys here but those at home as well, and we cna keep growing and the next generation coming through, so it’s amazing.

And not just for us. Speaking of the boys from Laos and Guam who we don’t often see, they bring surprise packages well too, and it’s great for the region.”

Of the match and Chinese Taipei, who have beaten Singapore in all three editions of the Unions Cup, he said, “They play a beautiful brand of 7s rugby but in XVs and get the ball wide quickly and have fast, skilful players; they used kicks behind us and turned us around. They were so accurate too, and we can learn lessons from that. It’s three years in a row, so next year we need to right some wrongs.

I am proud of the boys. As our coaches and captains alluded to, we have a young group here and 17 debutants. Kudos to them for stepping up, and it’s a steep learning curve in international rugby, but welcome to them all. We can only build from here and keep the group together and go upwards from here.”

You can rewatch the 5th and 7th place matches here.

Unions Cup 2026 5th place: Thailand 27-20 Asian Barbarian

Photo Credit – CTRU

The Baabaas went over early to lead 7-0 and then dominated the half and led 17-0 by the first water break. Despite Thailand going down a man with a yellow card, it was they who scored next and made it 17-12 before a third try after the half break squared the game up at 17-17.

Thailand took a penalty to lead for the first time after the hour mark. The Baabaas again levelled with a penalty of their own in the 68th minute thanks to a successful kick by fullback Benjamin Audry. Both teams were suffering from cramps in the 40-degree-plus conditions and a third match in 7 days.

It was Thailand who broke the deadlock with their second row expat scoring the winning try after several phases in the 82nd minute to secure a 27-20 win.

Match Reactions

Photo Credit – Thailand Rugby Photo – Pachara Polpathapee “Pach”

Thailand’s outside centre Pachara Polpathapee “Pach”, who is off to Japan soon for a trial and club experience before representing Thailand 7s, said, “We didn’t do well in the first half and made a lot of mistakes and a lot to fix, and it was really hot out there. We came back strong in that second half and turned it around, which is something I am proud of.

I am very proud of TRU for hosting this so well and seeing the teams come together, and there are a lot of great players here in a great environment. I really enjoy playing rugby in Thailand and am enjoying this journey as a player.”

Photo Credit – CTRU – Asian Baabaas Connor Brown

Baabaas South African Connor Brown, who has played in Korea and the UK and now plays his rugby in the Hong Kong Prem with USRC Tigers, captained the side and said, “It was a tough ask of our guys as we only had a couple of training sessions together and many of us met for the first time, so I couldnt have asked anything more from this group.

We came here to ruffle some feathers and give these sides test-match-level opposition, and we gave them a run. We were not here to play just Baabaas style rugby but give them a real crack, and we did that. Of the Unions Cup, it’s impressive not knowing what to expect, and there has been some great rugby and big shots this week”

Fullback Benjamin Audry said, “I am very proud, as it’s been hard not even knowing each other’s names last week. We almost beat Singapore and almost beat Thailand today. We had three great games against national teams and have built memories to last a lifetime. We were the underdogs, but we stayed together, played together, and partied together, and that’s made us closer as a group.

Of the tournament, it’s been such a great experience, as I play in a small town in France, and to see and stay with all of these teams. I was speaking to the Coach from Laos and hearing the limited resources they have, and still coming out here and giving it all and playing on the pitch has been great to see. I hope the tournament can grow with more teams and give these players more experiences and opportunities.”

Unions Cup 2026 7th place: Guam 85-12 Laos 

Photo Credit – Thailand Rugby Photo

Guam scored early to lead 5-0 and set up a great team move with the ball for left wing to score their second try and lead 12-0 within the opening ten minutes. Tonu San Nicholas scored his first of a hat-trick in the opening quarter as the Guam side were far too strong for Laos. They cruised into a healthy 40-0 lead after half an hour before Laos did score their first try by Valentin Phayavong. Guam were ahead 47-7 at half-time.

They ran in 5 tries in the next half an hour, with right wing Valient Borja also scoring three in the win. Laos Valentin Phayavong broke through and offloaded to his centre teammate and cousin Quentin Phayavong for the team’s second try. Guam capped off the game with a final score, for a commanding 85-12 win.

It was a first Unions Cup appearance for both sides.

Photo Credit – Thailand Rugby Photo

Match Reactions

Caleb Murphy – Guam Captain – “I am very happy, and it’s good to get that win, so it’s only up from here. Laos kept coming back at us no matter the score, so a huge amount of respect for them

It’s a good beginning to the revival of Men’s international XV Rugby for Guam. For us, we need to focus on putting the work in and getting around each other to build that team chemistry. The goal is to keep improving little by little, step by step and year by year.

We have played three matches, and each side we played has a different style and rugby in general, so it’s been a great week being here at the Unions Cup. It has been good as we have been forced to adapt to that.”

Lao player Quentin Phayavong – the French-based player started at centre for Laos and scored two tries in the Unions Cup, including a score against Guam set up by his cousin.

“It’s been a massive pleasure to be here this week and representing Laos. We sent a text 6 months ago to see if we could play and they said yes.

I am very proud of what we have done, and everyone, from family and friends in France and in Laos, and everyone is very happy. We played, and although we conceded some big losses, we had fun, which I think is an important principle.”

Photo Credit – CTRU – Quentin Phayavong

Valentin Phayavong (who is Quentin’s cousin) played at flank, and number 8 added, “We never gave up, and I liked the mentality the team showed here. We have a young team, so we can work together and make something big together with a lot of work.

We have made good progress from the first to the last game, and we have to keep continuing with this. For the team, we have a good side on and off the field; we are a big family and have a lot of passion.”

World Rugby Ranking Updates

Pre Unions Cup 2026

• The Philippines – 52
• Malaysia – 53
• Singapore – 64
• Chinese Taipei – 67
• Thailand – 72
• Guam – 89
• Laos – 103

Post Unions Cup 2026

• The Philippines – 43
• Malaysia – 55
• Chinese Taipei – 61
• Thailand – 71
• Singapore – 72
• Guam – 88
• Laos – 105

Rugby Asia 247 would like to thank the Thailand Rugby Union for having and hosting us and putting on an excellent tournament. Thanks to all of the teams for their support and availability for interviews and all the media we worked with – especially Mr Wu from CTRU for his excellent photos.

Unions Cup 2026 News

• The Philippines and Malaysia Head To Unions Cup 2026 Final.
• Unions Cup 2026 Matchday 2 Semifinal Previews.
• Unions Cup 2026 Matchday 1 Reviews.
• Singapore Rugby Tell Us About the Importance of the Unions Cup 2026.