Kai Stroem: The Rugby playmaker who builds

I first met Kai Stroem in 2023 at the Philippine Olympic Committee's Athlete Commission meeting. He was one of the early arrivalsquiet, grounded, approachable. I didn't know much about rugby then. There he was, present long before the lights and microphones, not trying to stand out, just doing the work. That moment stuck with me.

- By MILLIE MANAHAN

KAI STROEM with Manila Bulletin contributor Millie Manahan in Sri Lanka during coverage of the 2025 Asia Rugby Sevens Series.

Months later, as I dug into sports beyond the usual headlines, I learned that those small, steady moments are the foundation of who Kai is-forged in fields and training camps, but also in early mornings at home, in being a dad, in choosing to lead when others don't see the path.

That consistency was on full display again in October 2025, when the Volcanoes battled through the Asia Rugby Sevens Series in Sri Lanka.

Despite injuries and tight turnarounds, Kai anchored the team through close matches against regional powerhouses-proof that leadership isn't just about the wins, but how you hold the line when it matters most.

Kai Kristian Ledesma Stroem has worn many hats: forward turned playmaker, NEC Green Rockets player in Japan, longstanding member of the Philippine Volcanoes 7s program since 2015, and, as of recent years, captain of both the men's 7s and 15s squads.

Publicly, his record is built on grit: leading his team to third place in the second leg of the 2022 Asia 7s Series in Korea, being named 2023 Philippine Rugby Male Player of the Year, and serving as captain continuously from 2021 through 2025 in different tournament formats.