Rugby Union has been played in the Philippines for a long time, mostly by expatriates from Rugby Union playing countries working in the Philippines. That is until August 2002 when the MAAP Rugby Football Club consisting of midshipmen and women completing their scholarships in full-degree Maritime Studies in the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) took to the field as the Philippine Warriors.

Starting as an exercise to instill discipline and teamwork in his students Rick Hartley (now the Vice President of the Philippine Rugby Football Union) found the class enjoyed the game so much that they spend more time on the pitch than they did in the classroom. They even found time to train on board the ship they study on. Downside is when a ball goes in to touch it stays there !!!

With help from volunteers like Murray Domb, the Warriors have been built into a club that aims to expose its members to various international cultures and sporting interactions which help to better equip them for their maritime careers.

In such a short time the Philippine Warriors have developed a very good reputation for discipline, determination and physical fitness. They are a well respected team both on and off the field that will add considerably to the development of Rugby Union within the Philippines.

The Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) is a leading institution of excellence in maritime education and training in the Philippines.

As players of Rugby Union the Warriors have become role models for younger players and children and are active in building and promoting the game to schools and Orphanages in the region. The boys at the Bahay Bata Orphanage in Hidden Vale especially look up to “their heroes from MAAP”. This might be a burden to some but Rick Hartley believes this is a role his charges can fulfill admirably, not just from their experience on the field but the dedication from the various instructors within the college who have molded these people into very well rounded, responsible adults.

In June 2004 a very successful and enjoyable Development program was conducted at the Philippine National Police Academy in which both Academy and Warrior Players took to the field with much enthusiasm. More of these activities are planned with them and the Philippine Military Academy.