About Vintage Rugby

There have been many international veteran rugby competitions, festivals, tours and tournaments played in all sorts of venues, clothing and spirit.

Then in 2002 along came Vintage Rugby, a new movement with a fresh, friendly style, dedicated to preserving the spirit and tradition of Rugby for mature players, supporters and referees.

Vintage Rugby provides the chance for teams, players and referees to enjoy games in the Vintage Rugby style against teams from all over the world. It is an opportunity for passionate former players of all shapes and fitness levels, to relive past glories on and off the pitch. It provides the chance for those over the age of 35 (two men’s sections Over 35 and Over 46) who still hanker to scrum, ruck and maul with their mates against rivals from around the world.

World Vintage Rugby Carnivals are friendly, exciting and full of fun events held every two years at venues selected by Vintage Rugby players and their partners. Carnival programmes are planned to provide players and their partners with an enjoyable Rugby experience through an innovative, cost-effective and relaxed social programme.

The organising team includes rugby people with over 25 years of experience arranging veteran rugby events. The emphasis at each Carnival is on enjoyment. One regular Vintage Rugby team leader recently summed up the attraction of Vintage Rugby - ‘its great to attend a Rugby Carnival where rugby is high on the agenda. This means we get rugby and good rugby on each and every playing day and then we have each others company and the wonderful host cities to enjoy’.

Teams are 'graded' according to fitness and ages so there are no Carnival winners. There will be awards recognising those players and teams who entered into the spirit and enjoyment of the Carnival week.

The World Vintage Rugby Office

The World Vintage Rugby Office is based in Auckland, New Zealand but is truly international with rugby advisory board members in France, South Africa, United Kingdom, New Zealand, USA, Canada, Ireland, South America and Australia.

These representatives are available to assist with promotion of Vintage Rugby and its principles, to encourage involvement of teams and clubs within their region, to accept comment from players in their area and to significantly contribute to the setting of rules and planning of World Vintage Rugby Carnivals.
For more details about these advisors >>>

Vintage Rugby Offers So Much More

The Vintage Rugby Movement consists of a large number of teams and individuals who share a love of rugby. Many wish to continue to play for as long as they can. The rules and spirit of Vintage Rugby provides the opportunity to do just that.

In addition to the biennial World Vintage Rugby Carnivals the Vintage Rugby Office can arrange matches before and after the Carnivals, assist with travel arrangements and organize tours to all parts of the rugby world. The Vintage Rugby database includes teams in 26 countries who are prepared to host visiting sides. Just contact the office and we will do the rest.