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HAWAII ENTRIES & NEWS
Entries from two Argentina teams arrived recently - The Mohicanos from Córdoba and Jovatos Rosario (A.R.V.R) from Santa Fe. This makes 3 teams registered from Argentina. The Calgary Cobras’ entry is our first Canadian team to register and they join the 44 confirmed teams from 12 countries - USA, Australia, New Zealand, Bahamas, Argentina, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Portugal, Canada, South Africa, Brazil and England.
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Although some accommodation allocations are reaching their limit there is still plenty of accommodation available and time to register. See details later in this newsletter.
rugbydump.com is a rugby website well worth visiting. It has great coverage of recent club and international matches and international rugby news.
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2002 WAS A VERY GOOD YEAR....
2002 will be remembered for many things including - the large section of the Antarctic Larsen Ice Shelf that began disintegrating, the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan, ‘A Beautiful Mind’ voted Best Picture at the 74th Academy Awards and Serena Williams defeating her sister Venus in straight sets to win the French Open …. and the year when Vintage Rugby arrived on the scene.
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Yes 2012 marks the 10th anniversary of the launch of Vintage Rugby. Its beginnings came from a clearly defined need expressed by "Vet" sport teams who wanted to have alternate options for overseas tours. Vintage Sport and Leisure responded quickly to this need and initially created Vintage Cricket and then Vintage Rugby.
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But where to stage the initial World Vintage Rugby Carnival ? It had to be somewhere very special with extraordinary rugby traditions as well as world class fields and accommodation – after much discussion and a survey of some of the well known vet sides, Ireland was the preferred option. The Irish Tourist Board liked the concept and joined Shannon Development in providing marketing funding to help launch the fledging Carnival to be staged at the University of Limerick in 2004. They were joined by Heineken as the naming rights sponsor and the scene was set for Vintage Rugby to be launched and marketed internationally.
As we head towards the 5th Vintage Rugby Carnival we will look back at the 4 previous Carnivals. In this newsletter we commence our nostalgic Vintage Rugby journey in Limerick .....
The inaugural World Vintage Rugby Carnival staged in Limerick from September 4-10, 2004, was a well organised and presented carnival which was managed in accordance with pre-determined concepts and protocols.
The organising committee under the guidance of Carnival Director, Bryan O’Neill clearly understood the requirements and needs of Vintage Rugby Players and planned accordingly.
Partners take a break during the final dinner in Limerick for a photo opportunity.
Highlights of the 2004 Limerick Carnival included:
• The facilities at the University of Limerick where most of the teams opted to stay.
• The pristine playing fields presented by the University for the 3 match days.
• The spirit and camaraderie during the week of the carnival – helped no doubt by the good weather, the spirit in which the rugby was played and the post match and local clubs hospitality.
• The two highly enjoyable social functions.
27 teams from 8 countries (nearly 500 players and supporters) attended the Carnival.
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Adelaide Ba Ba Allstars
Battleship Old Boys RFC
Bruff RFC
Bustard Eagles
Clontarf RFC
Diok Oude Meesters
Helvetes de Geneve
Garryowen
Lansdowne Treasures RFC
Les Archiball
Limerick Leprauchans
Maitland Old Bones
Manly Steamers
New York Vintage Whines (red)
New York Vintage Whines (white)
Old Bangkok Bangers
Old Crescent
Peninsula Pirates
Presentation RFC
Shannon RFC
Shannon Development Vintage Crop
Stillbillies RFC
Suburbs Marauders RFC
UL Bohemians RFC
Union Bulldogs
Ye Olde Dogs of Wanneroo
Young Munster RFC
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Australia
USA
Ireland
Australia
Ireland
The Netherlands
Switzerland
Ireland
Ireland
USA
Ireland
Australia
Australia
USA
USA
Thailand
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland
Australia
New Zealand
Ireland
South Africa
Australia
Ireland
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Vintage Sport & Leisure will always recall these teams with great affection for their confidence and enthusiasm at the time of the birth of the Vintage Rugby movement. Many have returned again and again to subsequent Carnivals – they will always be known and honoured within Vintage Rugby as the ‘Foundation Teams’.
Follow this link for a full report on the Limerick Carnival including awards, photos and feed-back from participants.
The 2006 Buenos Aires Carnival features in our next newsletter.
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MEET 3 TEAMS MAKING FIRST APPEARANCES AT VINTAGE RUGBY
Vintage Rugby was delighted last year to receive its first ever entry from Brazil. Team leader Alexandre Lima told us “Keep Walking Rugby" who are based in San Paulo) was founded in 2001 by a group of old friends during a 7s tournament, in order to have fun, get together and celebrate old times.
In Brazil, at that time, there was only one other vet team. Since then, veteran rugby has grown and today there are about 12 teams of old-timers playing rugby around the country.
To celebrate the efforts made over the past 11 years to put together a vet team it is now possible during the national sevens series to play in a 10 a-side tournament for players over the age of 35.
We regularly play matches around Brazil, against vets and college teams. The young ones seem to enjoy playing against heavier and seasoned players and we use those opportunities to teach some traditions of the sport. The Carnival in Hawaii will be our first ‘international’ appearance.
Nowadays, Keep Walking Rugby is a group of around 60 players, with ages varying from 35 to 58 years. Among us, several former Brazil 15-a-side players and also players that discovered the sport a little later in life. We welcome players from all backgrounds and teams and are proud to say that we have members from all the major Brazilian clubs. The most important thing for us is to enjoy being among friends, play fair rugby and enjoy a fantastic 3rd time (post match hospitality). Our motto is “Beer, Fun and Friends”.
Keep Walking Rugby
Note: this team photo featured in the team’s recent calendar !!!Alexandre, you should bring copies of the calendar to sell in Hawaii – we are sure some of the ladies will find them very appealing !
The Outsiders Rugby Club based in Brisbane, Australia had its beginnings in the 1970’s when a number of Brisbane Brothers Rugby Club players formed a side to play against visiting overseas teams, as well as local representative and school sides for instructional purposes. The team included several former international players.
The club was reformed and incorporated in 2003 to play in the Brisbane Golden Oldies Festival, but without the internationals. Since then The Outsiders have “played” in Wellington, Edinburgh and Sydney. The team’s play is based around its 6 foot 10 inch second-rower Greg “hollow legs” Van Zeeland. He has yet to lose a line-out and can drink more beer than the rest of the team combined!
The team mascot is Lorraine, a very attractive pink pig who raises funds for the tournaments’ charities. She will be accompanying the team to Hawaii, which is being highly anticipated…………SEE YOU IN HAWAII GUYS !!!!
The Outsiders
The Yellowbellies are the Golden Oldies team from the Upper Hutt Rugby Club in New Zealand. The team has been around for 26 years and currently has membership of 59 players, including some players who have been with the club from its onset. Colin Cowden (a foundation member) still ably takes to the field every second Sunday afternoon.
The team name comes from the Upper Hutt Rugby Club’s original jersey that was maroon with a gold hoop around the middle. As the team was running onto Athletic Park, a local radio broadcaster described the players as Yellowbellies. This name is now well known in the Wellington area as the Upper Hutt Golden Oldies team who not only plays rugby and netball but also raises money for the Cancer Society through their annual fun run, delivers local phone books as a fund raiser and regularly trains at a local watering hole.
The team has attended many festivals overseas, including Hawaii in 1989, Perth in 1991, Hong Kong in 1993, Vancouver in 1997, Adelaide in 1999 and Toulouse in 2001. They have a group of 26 travelling to Hawaii in September and are looking forward to opportunities to meet new people, have fun and explore the islands.
The Yellowbellies
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CORMAC'S CORNER
Cormac O’Carroll (Carnival Ground Operator) continues his column about Hawaii and what teams can expect…..
When it comes to choosing your accommodation, don't lose any sleep over it. No matter which hotel you select your team is not going to be short of a spacious room and a clean comfortable bed to rest their weary bodies after a hard day of festivities on and off the field. What's more important is that you will be less than 5 minutes away from all of your new rugby fraternity as all the hotels chosen are a convenient stroll from each other and the playing fields of Kapiolani Park.
The very closest to the Park are our Bronze category hotels, the newly renovated Queen Kapiolani and the Park Shore. Both of these hotels have full bar and restaurant facilities and after a good clean room there is not much more you will need than that.
In the silver category we have the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel which has the very popular breakfast ‘to go’ which will be useful for the eat on the run participants who will need their energy food of fresh fruit, juice, cereal, yogurt, granola bars and more as they scramble to make it to their games.
This hotel of course is the site of the famous Tiki Bar which will be a major gathering place for all to hear the stories of the day, possibly some of them may be true.
A block back off the beach we have the Waikiki Banyan and Sunset which offer nice spacious apartments for those who like the additional space and the ability to self cater should they wish to do so in the large and fully equipped kitchens. Both of these condominiums have large recreation areas and swimming pools. Ideal when you want to break away from the madness and just relax.
The gold category is the Marriott Waikiki with beautiful rooms and magnificent views of Waikiki. This spacious hotel offers top class spa facilities for those who want to pamper themselves and an expansive and fully equipped gym for all those who feel they are not getting enough exercise.
Whatever hotel you choose, you are not going to be disappointed.
Follow this link to view further details about the Carnival accommodation options >>>
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REGISTER NOW
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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 www.vintagerugby.com.
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Enter now to avoid disappointment. You can enter on-line >>> |
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HAWAII CARNIVAL FACTS AT A GLANCE
For those still unsure about the 2012 Carnival program we have summarised below the Carnival facts ‘at a glance’.
Date:
Age Groups:
Rules:
Games Venue:
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September 23-30, 2012
Men 35-45; 46 and over
IRB normal rules of rugby will apply with appropriate changes
Queen Kapiolani Park
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Sunday September 23
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Teams arrive in Hawaii
Managers Briefing meeting
The parade of teams at Queen Kapiolani Park followed by the Opening Ceremony and Welcome Cocktail Party
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Monday September 24
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First round of games at Kapiolani Park
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Tuesday September 25
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A complete day at leisure.
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Wednesday September 26
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Second round of games at Kapiolani Park.
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Thursday September 27
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Another free day at leisure.
‘Big Night Out’ - 2½ hour dinner cruise on Ali'i Kai
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Friday September 28
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The final round of games at Kapiolani Park.
Team Managers Conclave meeting
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Saturday September 29
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A complete day at leisure
Finale Dine & Dance Function at Sheraton Hotel
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Sunday September 30
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Teams depart Hawaii.
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HAWAII HARLEQUINS RFC WILL HOST VINTAGE RUGBY CARNIVAL
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. Vintage Rugby asked John MacGregor (President of the Hawaii Harlequin Old Boys) to provide a backgrounder about the club.....
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“Although there is evidence of sporadic games in Hawaii as early as 1884, Hawaii rugby was really established in 1964, when Dr. Jack Keenan (An Irish ex-pat) and two buddies, Bob Hampton and Brian O'Neil, created the Hawaii Harlequins Rugby Football Club.
Games were mostly limited to playing visiting naval ships, although as time passed, word spread that there was rugby in Hawaii, mainly thanks to these gentlemen and subsequent club presidents such as Dixon Smith & Ralph Martinson. So followed many visiting teams, using any excuse to visit Hawaii for a tour.
In 1975 the Harlequins initiated the first tour to Australia, & New Zealand. This obviously helped with public relations, and as a result the following year saw 77 touring side games in Hawaii, in addition to league play.
The early 80's were again touring years for the Hawaii Harlequins, and the 1983 Pan-Am tour of Australia & New Zealand provided wins against a number of teams including Manly, Auckland Grammar, and Gisborne.
By 1989 the Harlequins had shown their strength, by sending their A and B sides to the finals.
By the 90s they had solidified their success during the Monterey Tournament and Aspen Ruggerfest, by beating OMBAC (Old Mission Beach Athletic Club), regarded by many as Americas Team, in back to back matches. Also, 1999 showed a good result by the Harlequins beating the U.S. Marine team 76-3.
Members of the organization have always stayed in close contact regardless of where they live. The Aspen Ruggerfest has always been a popular meeting point where many of the old boys return to strap on the boots and run wild. 2007 saw Harlequin Old Boys touring to Scottsdale, Arizona. We were a ragged bunch having survived a few late nights in several of the towns watering holes. Despite our off the field endeavours the Harlequin Old Boys managed to put a licking on a well organized and well manned club from Arizona. To this day we're not sure how it happened. Needless to say the celebration continued!
The Hawaii Harlequins to this day continue to prosper both in young and "older" teams, and on and off the field. We are extremely delighted, excited and honoured to host the upcoming Vintage Rugby Carnival in September, 2012. We are certain that it will be a memorable trip...we guarantee it! We look forward to seeing everyone in beautiful Hawaii. Alooooooha!”
Famous Harlequins:
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Nicky Allen - NZ
Chris Butcher - England
Gary Forth - NZ (Colts)
Michael Jones - NZ
Moi Ma Feleo - Tonga
Murray Mexted - NZ
Colin Scotts - Australia (U21)
Doug Straehly - USA
Stu Wilson - NZ
Julian Wood - NZ (U21)
Andy McIntyre - Australia
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Tony Ridnell - USA
Mark Deaton - USA
Steven James - Australia
Danny Kaleopa - Manu Samoa
Hugh McCardy - Scotland
Cormac O'Carroll - Ireland
Richard Scotts - Australia (U21)
David Tolomu - USA
John Wilbur - USA, NFL All Pro
Peter Barlow - NZ
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WHY WE PLAY THIS GREAT GAME
Many partners and non playing relatives and friends have pondered the question ‘why do you play rugby’? We all have different but similar answers to give them. Geoff Andrews (Vintage Rugby Advisor in the USA) sent us this poem by Rupert McCall which captures all the reasons we love playing rugby.
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When the battle scars have faded
And the truth becomes a lie
And the weekend smell of liniment
Could almost make you cry.
When the last ruck's well behind you
And the man that ran now walks
It doesn't matter who you are
The mirror sometimes talks
Have a good hard look old son!
The melons not that great
The snoz that takes a sharp turn sideways
Used to be dead straight
You're an advert for arthritis
You're a thoroughbred gone lame
Then you ask yourself the question
Why the hell you played the game?
Was there logic in the head knocks?
In the corks and in the cuts?
Did common sense get pushed aside?
By manliness and guts?
Do you sometimes sit and wonder
Why your time would often pass
In a tangled mess of bodies
With your head up someones arse?
With a thumb hooked up your nostril
Scratching gently on your brain
And an overgrown Neanderthal
Rejoicing in your pain!
Mate - you must recall the jersey
That was shredded into rags
Then the soothing sting of Dettol
On a back engraved with tags!
It's almost worth admitting
Though with some degree of shame
That your wife was right in asking
Why the hell you played the game?
Why you'd always rock home legless
Like a cow on roller skates
After drinking at the clubhouse
With your low down drunken mates
Then you'd wake up - check your wallet
Not a solitary coin
Drink Berocca by the bucket
Throw an ice pack on your groin
Copping Sunday morning sermons
About boozers being losers
While you limped like Quasimodo
With a half a thousand bruises!
Yes - an urge to hug the porcelain
And curse sambuccas name
Would always pose the question
Why the hell you played the game!
And yet with every wound re-opened
As you grimly reminisce it
Comes the most compelling feeling yet
God, you bloody miss it!
From the first time that you laced a boot
And tightened every stud
That virus known as rugby
Has been living in your blood
When you dreamt it when you played it
All the rest took second fiddle
Now you're standing on the sideline
But your hearts still in the middle
And no matter where you travel
You can take it as expected
There will always be a breed of people
Hopelessly infected
If there's a teammate, then you'll find him
Like a gravitating force
With a common understanding
And a beer or three, of course
And as you stand there telling lies
Like it was yesterday old friend
You'll know that if you had the chance
You'd do it all again
You see - that's the thing with rugby
It will always be the same
And that, I guarantee
Is why the hell you played the game!!
WHAT'S IN A NAME CONTINUED.....
BUNDABERG RUM RUCKERS
The story in the last Vintage Rugby newsletter about team names obviously struck a chord with some of our readers who have dug deep into their memory banks and suggested further names to be added to the list of the best team names – Bundaberg Rum Ruckers, Alice Spring Dingoes, Footscray Old Growlers, Beaconsfield Boars, South Australian Crippled Crows, Heidelberger Neckarschleimers, Villager Old Crocks, Boston Unicorns, Bowral Wilted Tulips, Tuakau Terrabulls, Old Iggies Raw Prawns, Old Bears Berlin, Hong Kong Contemptibles, Cayman Tarnished Turtles, Athbay Dukes of Hazard, Cork Tripebounds, Takapuna Tuggers, Galloping Goannas, Carrick Fergus Geezers, Jindear Province Exiles, Roodeport Jokers, Tanzania Old Tuskers, Hamilton’s Dynamiters, Old Wicks, Horny Derelects, Morris Masters, Dad’s Army, Pacific Northwest Old Growth, Old Tasmanian Devils and Kawartha Krocks.
Tell us your favourite team name >>>
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