Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Vintage Rugby?
A: Vintage Rugby is an opportunity for former players of all shapes and sizes and fitness levels to relive past glories on and off the pitch. It provides the chance for those over 35 who still hanker to scrum, ruck and maul to do so once again with their rugby mates from around the world.

Q: What is a World Vintage Rugby Carnival?
A: A World Vintage Rugby Carnival is a celebration of rugby enjoyed by people who love the game. It is a friendly, exciting and full of fun week of rugby held every two years at venues selected by Vintage Rugby players and their partners. All teams on the Vintage Rugby database are regularly polled to ascertain their favoured venues for future carnivals. Carnival programmes are planned to provide participants with an enjoyable rugby experience through an innovative, relaxed and cost effective programme. The 7-day carnival usually includes 3 days of rugby (with one game per day for each team); a welcome cocktail party and a final dine and dance function.

Q: Why was Vintage Rugby created?
A: Vintage Rugby was created in 2002 in response to an increasing demand from mature rugby people who wanted a truly international movement in which they could feel part of the decision making process.

Q: Who can participate in a Vintage Rugby Carnival?
A: Any rugby player over the age of 35 can play Vintage Rugby. Teams can be from clubs, districts, associations, companies, even local streets. There is no requirement for teams to be affiliated to a particular club. People can create their own teams from friends, school mates (perfect opportunity for school team reunions), family and colleagues.

Q: What is the philosophy of Vintage Rugby?
A: The emphasis at each Carnival is on enjoyment (on and off the field) so there are no Carnival winners and the scores from games are not even kept. Though participants ‘compete’ to the best of their ability, the overall results are of little significance.

Q: Where is Vintage Rugby played?
A: The World Carnivals usually attract over 50 teams who originate from at least 15 countries.

Q: What are the rules for playing Vintage Rugby?
A: The basic laws of rugby as prescribed by the IRB apply to Vintage Rugby games with a few minor modifications to ensure participants can have fun without causing unnecessary health risks or injury.

Q: Are there special arrangements for older players?
A: Older players (65 and over) and those not wishing to be tackled are given a brightly coloured bib. Players wearing these bibs cannot be tackled but can be stopped going forward by being held firm. Teams are 'graded' according to their fitness, ages and level of play they aspire to play. Teams are offered the chance to play rugby as ‘competitively’ as they wish against like-minded teams.

Q: Who organizes Vintage Rugby?
A: Vintage Rugby was created by Vintage Sport and Leisure a company based in Auckland, New Zealand. The Vintage Rugby team includes people with over 25 years experience organizing veteran sports - especially rugby. In addition Vintage Rugby international advisors have been appointed in key countries who are available to talk to individuals or team leaders about any aspect of Vintage Rugby.

Q: Where have Carnivals been staged in the past?
A: Previous Vintage Rugby Carnivals have been staged in Limerick, Ireland in 2004, Buenos Aires, Argentina in 2006 and Christchurch, New Zealand in 2008.

Q: Do participants have to travel on specific airlines to participate in a Vintage Rugby Carnival?
A: Whilst preferred carriers with special fare offers will be suggested, travel to and from Carnivals on specific airlines is not mandatory, leaving teams to make their own decisions as to which airline offers the best deal for their travel.

Q: Who handles the accommodation, transport and social functions at each Carnival?
A: Vintage Rugby appoints a Carnival ground operator who is responsible for the accommodation, transport and social functions. There are usually 3 levels of accommodation to cater for the different team budgets.

If you have any other questions contact the Vintage Rugby office:

Phone: ( 64) 09 425 5294 
Fax: ( 64) 09 425 6956
PO Box 78, Snells Beach 0942, New Zealand