CLARK — The Philippine Volcanoes and the Lady Volcanoes shoot for a rare double-gold medal as the rugby competitions of the 30th Southeast Asian Games kick off Saturday at the Clark Parade Grounds here.

The Philippine Volcanoes’ primary goal is to prevent the Malaysians from winning back-to-back gold medals medal after lording it over in their own turf in the Kuala Lumpur SEAG in 2017.

Aside from the Philippines and Malaysia, the other competing teams in the men’s division are Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia and Laos.

The Philippine Volcanoes won the rugby championship in 2005 Manila SEA Games when the sport was played as a demonstration event.

In the 2015 SEA Games in Singapore, the Volcanoes crushed the Malaysians, 24-7, in the finals to capture the gold medal, while the Lady Volcanoes placed third after beating Malaysia, 22-0.

The Lady Volcanoes will battle Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and Laos in the women’s division which the Lady Thais topped in 2017.

In preparation for the 2019 SEA Games, the Lady Volcanoes saw action in the Asia Rugby Women’s championship and in the Asian Trophy Series. (LO/IAMIGO/CNS)