The Rugby Development Manager for the Philippines, Acee San Juan, has recently been selected as an official Asia Rugby Unstoppable Ambassador for the region.
The Unstoppables Campaign is aligned with International Women’s month, celebrating and recognizing the importance of women in the sport and how they have helped influence the development of Rugby across the region. A total of 84 nominees were nominated from across all countries in Asia, which was then brought down to 32, and a final nomination of 16 to represent the region.
For the last eleven years, Acee has been a dedicated member of the Rugby community. First introduced to the sport via a Touch Football program at the University of the Philippines, Acee went on to represent the National Team and became the Team Captain from 2014 to 2017, leading the national program to their first ever Bronze Medal at the 2015 Southeast Asian Games.
In 2012 she was hired as a Development Officer and for the past four years leads the development program as the Union’s Rugby Development Manager.
Acee has been tremendous to our Development Program, she’s a role model to all sports managers. Her passion, work ethic, and expertise in her role have ensured Philippine Rugby continues to grow” shares Jake Letts, Philippine Rugby’s Chief Executive.
San Juan has been an integral representative for Philippine Rugby for the ChildFund Pass It Back Program, in charge of managing and teaching Rugby values and life skills to marginalized communities. Her dedication has enabled foreign sports development funds to be invested into the Philippines and in return, shows the positive impact sport can have on children’s lives.
She also plays a significant role within her local club, Eagles RFC, a loyal club member who continues to give back not only to the National Union, but also the local team where she represents.
“I’m deeply honored to be named one of Asia Rugby’s Unstoppable Ambassadors. I’m looking forward to encouraging more females to get involved and enjoy the sport, whether as a player, coach, match official, administrator, supporter – not just in the Philippines but across Asia as well. Rugby has given me so much in life and helped me develop to the person I am now, and I am excited to share these experiences to the wider rugby family. “
Letts added “witnessing Acee as a beginner of the game, and now a national lead educator, her advocacy covers a range of areas across the entire rugby community. She now provides direction on women’s rugby, grassroots development, safeguarding, match officiating, coaching, and training and education. To be recognized by Asia Rugby is a great achievement, and very well deserved” Letts added. San Juan’s track record in the game and the sport ensures all participants, whether new or experienced, can have a positive impact around the country. Philippine Rugby is extremely honored to have their Development Manager awarded and recognized as an ambassador to the sport.
