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HAWAII ENTRIES & NEWS
5 new entries recently arrived. They included ‘The Outsiders’, ‘Caboolture Fossils’ and ‘Queensland XXXX’ all from Queensland (Australia) and ‘Bays Bullshitters’ and ‘Otautahi Shakers’ from Canterbury (New Zealand). There are now 43 teams registered from 11 countries - USA, Australia, New Zealand, Bahamas, Argentina, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Portugal, South Africa, Brazil and England.
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Australia still leads the way in terms of team numbers with 15 followed by New Zealand with 9 and the USA with 8 teams. There is still plenty of time to register. See details later in this newsletter.
Hawaii Tourism recently released a new 3-minute promotional film ‘Hawaiian Paradise’. The DVD has been loaded on our website – to view follow this link >>>
Representatives of the 6 Christchurch based teams coming to Hawaii gathered recently for an update from Carnival Director Paul Gleeson.
The occasion provided a great opportunity for the teams to meet each other, ask questions and share common concerns and challenges.
Teams from the Canterbury area who will be represented in Hawaii include – Bays Bullshitters, Otautahi Shakers, The Highwaymen, Canterbury Baa Baas, Burnside Battlers and Suburbs Marauders. A similar information evening will be held in Brisbane later in December for the 11 teams registered from Queensland.
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The Hawaii Harlequins RFC who are the host club for the 2012 Carnival have asked us to include information about their 2012 calendar to help their fundraising efforts.
Visit their websites for details. http://www.rugbyhawaii.com/;
http://www.hhrfc.org
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We asked team organiser Ron Tjaden (2nd row far left in this picture taken at Murrayfield) to tell us something about the Olde Barking Dogs. He told us that the team was an eclectic mix of ex star rugby players (in their own mind) from around the USA, and once in a while from around the globe. This will be their fourth festival as the OBD’s. They formed in 2005 to attend a festival in San Diego and that’s how the bug hit to play in more festivals. This will be their first Vintage Carnival but they are looking forward to basking in the sun of Hawaii.
Olde Barking Dogs
Several members of the team have been on club tours to England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, New Zealand and Australia. The friendships formed from those club tours have endured over the years with several former opponents playing for the OBD’s. The team comprises mostly a Midwestern US group of former star rugby player with the main group from Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and Illinois. They also have players from the great Northwest and Oklahoma.
They invite anyone who would like to join them – they’d certainly be very welcome. Training is at a premium with one old boys game being held each year at their home club !
Ron concluded by saying ‘remember with the Olde Barking Dogs there is “No Bite, Just Lick”. We are also charter members of AARRF (American Association of Retired Rugby Footballers)’. They sound like a fun team.
Chris Kelly, organiser of the Harlequin Gentlemen provides details of this team making their second appearance at a Vintage Rugby Carnival. “The club which is based in Surrey, England, was founded in 1866. For our first forty years, we were nomadic in our existence during which time we played at a total of 15 venues. Since 1909 we have played at only three! The last being The Stoop in 1963. Now known as the Twickenham Stoop.
Harlequin Gentlemen
During the club’s 145 year history, the Harlequins have always believed in playing cheerful, light hearted Rugby, starting attacks from the most unlikely positions on the paddock. Indeed, the Harlequins have become a symbol of open attacking Rugby. This tradition of play will no doubt be exemplified in Hawaii, 2012 !!!
The advent of the professional game saw the decline of the amateur ethos at Harlequins, with the exception of the Harlequin Gentlemen side until 2000 when the Amateur ethos was re-created at Harlequins. This has brought a new lease of life to the Gents with a number of the younger generation now turning out for the illustrious Gentlemen.
Over the past twenty years the Gentlemen have been on twenty five tours including Australia, Argentina, Canada, South Africa, USA, Ireland, Scotland, France, Italy, Holland. The Harlequin Gentlemen very much look forward to tour number twenty six...Hawaii.”
Club Motto: “Nunquam Dormio” (Never Asleep)
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A very clever piece of softwear, sponsored by Europcar has been developed which provides quick access to all the 2011 Rugby World Cup results. It’s a very handy tool, perfect for sports trivial pursuit evenings -you can check by country, venue, date - even pools – very smart indeed. Follow this link to use it.
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EVENING DINNER CRUISE WILL BE MEMORABLE
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The 2012 World Vintage Rugby Carnival organisers have set aside the evening of Thursday September 27 so that teams can enjoy the Hawaii Carnival’s ‘BIG NIGHT OUT’ which will be a sunset dinner party aboard the Ali'i Kai - the world’s largest Polynesian catamaran. This will be a dinner party you’ll never forget.
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Step aboard this amazing vessel for a casual, fun-filled sunset cruise and buffet dinner. Take in panoramic views of the Pacific, world famous Waikiki and the city of Honolulu as you sail down the coast. The 2½ hour cruise includes an island-style buffet dinner, a Polynesian show, live music and dancing.
Further details including booking, costs and transport details are being advised separately to teams who have registered.
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CORMAC’S COLUMN
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A special Christmas wish list has been put together by your very thoughtful ground handler Hawaii Sports Inc. Company principal Cormac O’Carroll believes it’s never too early to plan for the rugby trip of a lifetime. Here are Cormac’s suggestions:
As we are coming close to closing out the old year and putting our plans together for 2012, and of course the World Vintage Rugby Carnival in Hawaii, we have come up with an essential Santa wish list of very important items that will be a must to include when you're packing for this rugby vacation in paradise.
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All you want for Christmas is....
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A new pair of Speedos (Budgie Smugglers for the Aussies) with plenty of elasticity in the vital areas. Please don't think of bringing the old pair no matter how sentimentally attached you are. The Waikiki cops will arrest you.
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Six cans of spray on tan, especially for our friends from the northern countries such as Canada and Northern Europe, and not to forget the South Island of New Zealand. Get the Ebony brand for longer lasting effect. An added benefit is you will be able to mix with the locals.
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A short guide to Hawaiian Pidgin English so when you are finding your way home at 3 AM you can understand what they are saying. Such as, Eh Brah, u take da kine street ova dare and when you pau go one maka and u see one houle dude, give im one shaka and he show u already. You know what I mean.
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One pair of Slippa's. AKA thongs and flip flops, as the only footwear necessary. Good for the Parade and Cocktail Party, Big Night Out, Dine and Dance and if necessary, all your rugby games.
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One pair of the coolest shades. Get the extra tinted kind so nobody can see you looking at all those beautiful beach going island Wahines.
‘Cormac’s Column’ will become a regular feature in future newsletters as he subtly
prepares players and their partners for a memorable Hawaiian experience.
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A GREAT REASON TO REGISTER FOR THE 2012 CARNIVAL NOW!
Want to be part of an international veteran rugby event ? This is a unique opportunity to play against and socialise with older rugby players from around the world. For US and Canadian teams in particular there will never be an easier or more cost effective way for your team to experience an international veterans rugby event – so close to home. There are still spaces available.
The seven day Vintage Rugby Carnival includes 3 match days and 2 huge social functions plus plenty of time to tour Hawaii.
Full details about the 2012 World Vintage Rugby Carnival can be found on the website www.vintagerugby.com.
Enter now to avoid disappointment. You can enter on-line
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THE WOMAN BEHIND THE NAME
Who is the woman whose name will be associated with the Carnival games venue, headquarters hotel, team manager’s meetings and one of Honolulu’s most famous
streets ?
Headquarters for the 2012 Hawaii Carnival will be at the Queen Kapi’olani Hotel which will also host the team managers meetings; Games will be played at Queen Kapi’olani Park and many teams will wander down Queen Kapi’olani Boulevard on their way to dinner or a favourite bar. Who was this woman who left such a prominent legacy ?
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Kapi’olani Napelakapuokaka’e was born into the chiefly lineage of Kaua’i, in Hilo on December 31st, 1834. Her parents were High Chiefess Kinoiki and High Chief Kūhiō.
Kapi’olani assumed the role of Queen when her second husband, David Kalākaua won the election of 1874 after the death of King Lunalilo. Always the gracious hostess, she was a woman full of humility and exuded a regal calm. In addition to hosting grand receptions for visiting dignitaries, Queen Kapi’olani found time to pursue her passion. She worried about the future of her people.
Her biggest concerns were the Hansen’s Disease patients of Moloka’i and the perpetuation of the Hawaiian race. She founded the Kapi’olani Maternity Home in 1890, now referred to as the Kapi’olani Medical Center for Women and Children, to improve birth rates for mothers and their babies.
Queen Kapi’olani was also an accomplished musician and composer. One of her most famous mele (or songs) was Ka Ipo Lei Manu (My Cherished Sweetheart), a love song for King Kalākaua. She was very accustomed to the etiquette and dance styles of Europe, yet, she never forgot who she was or where she came from.
Queen Kapi’olani preferred to speak in her native tongue throughout her life in lieu of the more popular English. Even on her 1887 trip to Queen Victoria’s Jubilee celebration in London, Queen Kapi’olani required Colonel Iaukea or her sister-in-law, Princess Lili’uokalani, to translate for her. During her trip to London, where she debuted her famous blue peacock accented dress, she was treated as an equal to Queen Victoria, Europe’s most powerful monarch at the time. She passed away on 24 June 1899 – but her legacy lives on.
During next year’s Hawaii Carnival you can view this painting of Queen Kapi’olani in her peacock dress in the lobby of the Queen Kapi’olani Hotel.
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STAND OUT IN HAWAII WITH CANTERBURY CLOTHING
Canterbury was recently confirmed as a commercial partner and supplier for the 2012 Hawaii World Vintage Rugby Carnival.
Famous for its worldwide association with international and regional rugby sides, Canterbury can help teams look their best on and off the rugby pitch in Hawaii with their extensive range of team strip and casual gear.
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Teams will be encouraged to design their own playing and casual gear for players and supporters. This includes jerseys, shirts, jackets, shorts, socks, bags – whatever a team needs – all carrying the distinctive team and Vintage Rugby logos. The gear will be made and then delivered to Hawaii so it’s waiting for the teams when they arrive. And the really good news is that there is the potential for teams to save 30%+ on the cost of their gear.
Designs and payment will be handled on-line.
For more information including details of the styles, colours and pricing email Robbie Flynn or visit http://www.cccteam.com/us/
TEAM NAMES - THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY
UCT Alzheimers....I think
Older rugby players come in all shapes and sizes and different fitness levels – that’s part of the attraction. They also play in teams with many different names that their mothers don’t want to know about which usually provides a clue about the club or region or signals their attitude to rugby.
Over the past 30 years there have been many innovative team names – here’s a roll call of some of the ‘best’ –
Battleship Old Boys, Cracked Conchs, Manly Steamers, Orcas, Bangkok Bangers, UCT Alzheimers ... I think, Ye Olde Dogs of Wanneroo, Chelmsford Undertakers, Funnelwebs, Gangrenes, Parraletics, Wagga Wagga Blueheelers, Ottawa Senators, Carrick Fergus Geezers ,Old Vulgarians, Dorking Derelicts, Alaskan Oosiks, COBRA All Pinks, T.A.R.T.S, Toronto Men O’Paws, Puckered Ruckers, Upper Hutt Yellowbellies, Wallaroosters, Toronto Leprechauns, Ancient Wanderers, Knackered Rams, Carlow Cadavers, NY Vintage Whines, Calgary Codgers, Latin Lovers of Arquitectura. Our favourites belong to Australian teams - Coodabinawallabi and The Unquenchables. Tell us your favourite team name.
A REMARKABLE STORY ABOUT A VINTAGE RUGBY TEAM WHO HAS A POWERFUL AND POSITIVE FORCE IN THEIR COMMUNITY
Condamine Codgers
This time last year we brought you the story of the Condamine Codgers who started out as a Vintage Rugby team playing initially in the Christchurch and then Cape Town Carnivals (they’re registered for Hawaii as well). Now through one means or another they have developed into a powerful and positive force in a rural community that's taken some big hits in recent years.
And along the way they've forged some strong links with South African farmers who know a bit about rugby and resilience themselves. Follow this link to view the ABC ‘Landline’ TV item - it’s an extraordinary story.
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CHRISTMAS GREETINGS FROM around THE WORLD
Navidad Feliz, Noël Heureux, Natale Felice, Gelukkige Kerstmis, Joyeux Noël, Feliz Navidad, Veselé Vánoce, Nollag sona, Buon Natale, Счастливого Рождества, Nadolig Hapus, HAPPY CHRISTMAS !!
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No matter what the language - it means the same thing – the management and staff of Vintage Sport & Leisure and the World Vintage Rugby Office extend their very best wishes to Vintage Rugby players and their families all over the world for a very Happy Christmas. May the joy and peace of Christmas be with you throughout this wonderful season and may 2012 bring you continuing prosperity and good health.
We have received a number of other Christmas messages that we’d like to share with you…..
Mele Kalikimaka to all of our rugby friends around the world. Hawaii Harlequins Old Boys wish everyone a wonderful holiday season and blessed New Year. May Peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through. We look forward to seeing everyone very soon in Honolulu, Hawaii! Aloha. (John MacGregor – USA)
The Creaky ol’ Convicts would like to take the opportunity to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy and safe new year. Enjoy all your time with family and friends, wish big you never know. (Brent Pauling – Norfolk Island)
The Burleigh Bodgies would like to wish all Vintage Rugby teams and their families a happy Christmas, and a prosperous New Year for 2012. Looking forward to seeing everyone in Hawaii next September. (Ian Davis - Australia)
The Bustard Eagles are always cheerful and with our team spread around the world it has been calculated that Christmas day lasts 45 hours for each Bustard and Bustardette. The philosophy is that everyone should have a friend for Christmas and a Bustard ALWAYS has friends no matter what he is drinking or where he is. Merry Christmas and a happy, safe and prosperous New Year. (David Morgan - Australia)
Keep Walking Rugby Club wishes a very special Xmas to all Ruggers around the world, Keep Ruckin and see you in Hawaii´. (Alexandre Lima – Brazil)
Andy Smith from MARS (aka Middle Aged Rugby Side - USA) sent this Christmas message:
And so this is Christmas
For weak and for strong
For rich and the poor ones
The world is so wrong
And so happy Christmas
For black and for white
For yellow and red ones
Let's stop all the fight
A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear
(John Lennon)
On behalf of the entire Endeavour Hills Ratbags crew, I would like to wish all ruggers and their families a very special Christmas and a prosperous 2012, we look forward to having a beer with you all in Hawaii. (Tony Collier – Australia)
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Kepakemapa 2012, est déjà attendu avec impatience par nos valeureux guerriers vétérans Helvètes de Genève, accompagnés de notre célèbre «pipi wahine » !
Le « Kalakaua » n’est pas encore arrivé, mais le Helvètes de Genève sont déjà sur le pied de guerre pour vous transmettre, à l’autre bout du monde et leur « E pili mau na pomaikai meoe » pour cette année 2012 et un « Mele Kalikimaka » à tous les organisateurs du Vintage Rugby carnaval d’Honolulu, les équipes et toutes leurs familles.« Aloha » à tous ! (Nicolas Valko – Switzerland)
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Aloha and compliments of the season to our world-wide rugby friends. We truly hope for peace and goodwill for all, and look forward to catching up with you all in Hawaii in September. Bundaberg Rumruckers (Alan Gordon - Australia).
Aloha from the Southern most city in the world. The Stuffed Hawks of Invercargill New Zealand would like to wish all our fellow rugby players and partners a great Xmas and a safe New Year and we are looking forward to having a few games and a lot of drinks with you in Hawaii - Merry Xmas.(Shaun Flynn – New Zealand)
Sin Bin Slim and all the members of the Texas XXXs RFC extend our best wishes to our Vintage Games brothers (and sisters) for a Merry Christmas and a rootin-tootin' New Year. We just celebrated our 30th Anniversary and would love to host visiting teams going to-or-from Hawaii, or at any other time. Happy Trails (Kenneth Coulter – USA)
The Archiball Association USA would like to wish all the participants in the upcoming Hawaii 2012 Vintage Rugbyfest a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous and safe new year. We hope to see all of you in Hawaii and anticipate another GREAT time as our team have enjoyed in all the fests we have attended since Limerick 2004! (Bill Welsh – USA)
From sunny South Africa a Merry Christmas and Prosperous and Healthy 2012 to everyone. May all your wishes be granted. See you in Hawaii. Blessings Johannesburg Bobbies Oldies (James Du Toit – South Africa)
Clube de Rugby de Juromenha wish to everyone of our big family of Rugby friends, a very special and merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous Rugby filled New Year. We can´t wait to see you all in Hawaii, next September, in the " V World Vintage Rugby Carnival", that it will be, we are sure, the biggest and best event of the year. (Paulo Jaleco – Portugal)
To all the teams going to Hawaii.
The members of Cairns Old Crocs say Hi....
Seasons’ greetings to you all, and
When we meet we'll have a ball. (Gail Russell – Australia)
At this time of the year the Manly Steamers hope that everyone has a very happy and peaceful Xmas. We look forward with excitement to our next meeting with you all in Hawaii 2012.All the best for the festive season from all at the Manly Steamers'. (Hugh Thompson – Australia)
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