HAWAII RUGBY ARRANGEMENTS
AS USUAL YOU WILL BE IN EXPERIENCED HANDS...
Vintage Rugby is managed by an experienced team with over 30 years of experience of arranging veteran sports events. It is organised by rugby people for rugby people so the focus at every Carnival is definitely on rugby as well as the social aspects.
A small management group representing the Hawaii Harlequins Rugby Football Club and the Hawaii HOBO’s (Hawaii Harlequin Old Boy’s Overseas Side) has been established in Hawaii to arrange the rugby elements of the 2012 World Vintage Rugby Carnival. Founded in 1965 the Hawaii Harlequins RFC has over the years established themselves as the top rugby organisation in Hawaii. They have successfully hosted more visiting clubs than any other club in Hawaii and also hosted the highly successful annual Hawaii International Rugby Tournament for many years which attracted over 50 teams and 1000 participants each year.
Hawaii Harlequins Rugby Football Club Calendar
To see the Hawaii Harlequins Rugby Football Club at their devastating best, click here - warning ladies, this might get your pulse racing!
Internationally World Vintage Rugby is controlled from the Vintage Sport & Leisure office in Auckland, New Zealand – click here for more details about VSL.
The 2012 Carnival ground operations will be organised by Hawaii Sports Inc a Hawaiian based company with many years of experience in successfully handling big numbers of touring rugby teams. The company will arrange accommodation options, the social functions, tour options and transport.
The organisers of the 2012 World Vintage Rugby Carnival intend to limit the total number of teams to 50 and with interest already high it will be essential to get entries confirmed as soon as possible. Register here
FORMAT....The emphasis at the Hawaii Carnival will be on enjoyment (on and off the field). To ensure this, teams will be ‘graded’ according to their fitness and ages and although the basic rules of rugby will remain unchanged some ‘rules' will be modified to ensure those participating can have fun without causing unnecessary health risks. A questionnaire will be sent to teams prior to the Carnival to determine strengths, weaknesses, fitness and the level of rugby they desire to play during the Carnival.
The Carnival programme includes 3 playing days on which teams will play one game – a total of 3 games during the Carnival period. If teams require additional games prior to or following the Carnival the organising committee can arrange these.
AGE GROUPINGS
Players participating in the 2012 World Vintage Rugby Carnival must be 35 years of age or over on September 1, 2012. There will be two sections of play – 35-45 and 46 years and over.
GAMES WILL BE PLAYED BESIDE WAIKIKI BEACH!
Carnival games will be played at Kapiolani Park, at the foot of Diamond Head adjacent to Waikiki. The 500 acre park has five full size playing fields and will be easily accessed for the teams using nearby hotels and apartments. The area adjacent to the grounds will be transformed to provide a real ‘carnival ‘ atmosphere. Existing shower and changing facilities will be boosted with additional temporary facilities for teams and administration and as well as a fully serviced medical centre and physiotherapy area. Post match hospitality will be in the adjacent Beer Garden. Click here to view a map of Kapiolani Park and the Carnival Hotels.
HAWAII RFU PLEASED THAT VINTAGE RUGBY IS COMING TO HAWAII
Rugby has been played competitively in Hawaii since the 1950's. The recent accomplishments of both men ( 2 on the Eagles and 7's ), women (1 on the U20's and 2 on the 7's ) and youth (1 on the U17's, 1 on the U19's and 1 on the U20's) national teams has helped to accelerate the growth of the game locally.
The Hawaii Rugby Union is delighted to endorse the 2012 Carnival - read their letter here.
REFEREES....
Official referees will be appointed to control all games. All referees will be well briefed in advance of the Carnival. Teams who have qualified referees in their group will be invited to nominate them to control games during the Carnival.
PLAYING TIMES....
The Carnival Organisers will determine the playing times and it is anticipated that games will be scheduled between 11am and 3pm on each playing day.