PNRL Shield
| Sport | Rugby league |
|---|---|
| Formerly known as | PNRL Estepa Elefante Cup |
| Instituted | 2016 |
| Inaugural season | 2016 |
| Number of teams | 5 |
| Country |  Philippines |
| Holders | Manila Storm (2024) |
| Most titles | Manila Storm (3 titles) |
The Philippine National Rugby League Champions Shield, also known as the PNRL Shield, is the top level domestic rugby league competition in the Philippines. It is organized by the Pambansang Ragbi Liga Ng Pilipinas (PNRL).
History
[edit]The Philippines National Rugby League (PNRL) an organization for rugby league was established in 2011.[1] The group initially started organizing 9-a-side tournaments in the Philippines.[2]
The full 13-a-side competition was then organized in 2016.[3][4]
The PNLR under its affiliate Philippine Tamaraw Rugby League, Inc. launched a domestic league in the Philippines. The inaugural tournament was named as the Erick Paul Estepa Elefante Cup and was held at the Bicol University, Albay Sports Complex in October 15–16, 2016.[5]
The tournament was not held from 2020 to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[2]
The tournament known as the PNRL Estepa Elefante Cup later became known as the PNRL Shield.[6][2]
Champions
[edit]| Year | Champions[2] | No. of teams |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Manila Storm | 4 |
| 2017 | —[a] | 4 |
| 2018 | North Luzon Hunters | 4 |
| 2019 | North Luzon Hunters | |
| 2020 | Cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic | |
| 2021 | ||
| 2022 | Postponed to 2023 | |
| 2023 | Manila Storm | 4 |
| 2024 | Manila Storm[7] | 4 |
| 2025 | To be determined | 5 |
Teams
[edit]- Gorillas Rugby, established 2023 in Makati.[9]
- Pacific Kumuls (debutants)
- Pampanga Panthers, established 2023.[10]
- Manila Storm
- Braves RFC
- Previous teams[2]
- Albay Vulcans (2016), founded by Ric Raymond Bellen. Based in Bicol University[11]
- Batangas Eels (2017)
- Caloocan Bulldogs (2023)
- Cavite Tigers (2018-2019, 2023)
- Clark Brothers (2018)
- Clark Jets (2019[b])
- Central Luzon Crusaders (2016)
- University of Batangas Toro (2016)
- North Luzon Hunters (2017–2019[c], 2023)
Notes
[edit]- ^ The 2017 season had four registered teams. However the PNRL website lists the winners as "TBA" for 2017. There is no explicit source stating if the season was held and later cancelled or was never held to begin with. The 2019 season was described as the "3rd season"
- ^ a b The Clark Jets withrew after round 1
- ^ Entered as Hunter A and Hunter B in 2017
See also
[edit]
References
[edit]- ^ "History". Retrieved August 19, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f "PNRL Domestic Competition". Philippines National Rugby League. Retrieved August 19, 2025.
- ^ "Central Luzon Crusaders the final team in the Philippines inaugural Rugby League Season". Rugby League Planet. March 2, 2016. Retrieved March 3, 2016.
- ^ "Filipinos punching above their weight: Ticker". Queensland Rugby League. May 22, 2018. Retrieved August 19, 2025.
- ^ "The Greatest Game of All commences in the Philippines". Rugby League Planet. October 13, 2016. Retrieved August 19, 2025.
- ^ "North Luzon Hunters Philippines Grand Final Champions | Rugby League Planet". August 12, 2019. Retrieved August 19, 2025.
- ^ "STORM crowned 2024 Champions!". Pambansang Ragbi Liga Ng Pilipinas. September 22, 2024. Retrieved August 19, 2025.
- ^ "2025 Season Opener". Philippines National Rugby League. August 5, 2025. Retrieved August 19, 2025.
- ^ "Gorillas Rugby make thier[sic] Debut into League". August 8, 2024. Retrieved August 19, 2025.
- ^ "Pampanga Panthers, the New Kids on the Block". August 7, 2024. Retrieved August 19, 2025.
- ^ "Albay Vulcans v Manila Storm Rugby League match report Philippines". Rugby League Planet. Archived from the original on December 16, 2015.