Full name: Anna Alexa Nacional
Nickname: Alex / Neon Ninja (embracing this haha!)
Place of birth: Philippines
Current city: Metro Manila
Years in rugby: 9 months!
Position: Scrum Half
Superpower: 500 Megawatt Smile?
Tell us about yourself and what you do outside rugby?
Filipina, fun-sized, and I guess a little ball of walking sunshine. I’m pretty chill but could be hyper at times. Sometimes I think I’m funny and people think I have a weird laugh. I love surrounding myself with people I could learn a lot from, and going on trips and adventures. I do like my peace and quiet, too, so when I disconnect, I would be reading a book, playing video games, hiding in Laguna with my family, or doing “Netflix & Gorge” with the boyfriend.
Outside rugby, you’d likely see me dancing to tunes in my headphones, trying to learn a new language, revving my bike or sipping a cup of hot choco.
When and how did you start with Manila Nomads?
Most of the time, I’d get called for making hard touches playing touch rugby (even made a girl cry once haha), so I’d often get teased “mag contact ka!”—and it actually got me curious. Though I had a lot of reservations thinking I’m not strong enough, I’m not big enough, I’m not fast enough, I’m not skilled enough, so the curiosity just remained a thought until I met then captains Bianca and Nick last year. I got so moved with their vision of involving more women to play the sport and breaking rugby stereotypes when it comes to age, size, skills, nationality, background—as long as you want to learn and play, you’re welcome to join.
Took me several weeks before I actually showed up for training—coaches are great, the girls are awesome, socials even better. Never turned back ever since!
What is your favorite rugby move, skill or position?
I just have to mention a player! Beauden Barrett and his grubber kicks, chips & chases! If position-specific, box kicks would be amazing!
Tell us of any unforgettable or funny experiences you had in Manila Nomads.
Uh, I used to (hopefully I don’t anymore) end games with either a head or face injury. If not from the game, I’d have a hit on the head from socials. Working on changing that now. haha!
Tell us about your role and contributions to the club and your personal rugby goals for this year.
I’d just like to be there for the team and the girls on and off the field. It’s our 2nd year, so we would also have to work harder on conditioning and strengthening ourselves, learning and executing better plays and techniques, and inspiring more women to be part of this growing sport and community. And definitely to having more Rogues in the national team training pool!
Any message to women who want to try rugby?
Rugby could be intimidating when you’re unfamiliar with it, but once you’re in it, you’d be surprised with how much empowerment, enlightenment, and strength you’d get physically, mentally, and emotionally. Great team, great sisterhood, and great drinking right after! (My alcohol tolerance def got a boost!)
