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 be part of decisions about venues, rules, programmes etc.

Q: Who can participate in a Vintage Rugby Carnival ?
A: Any rugby player over the age of 35 can participate in a Vintage Rugby Carnival. 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: World Vintage Rugby Carnivals have previously been staged in Limerick (Ireland) in 2004, Buenos Aires (Argentina) in 2006, Christchurch (New Zealand) in 2008 and Cape Town (South Africa) in 2010.

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 their 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 New Zealand. The Vintage Rugby team includes people with over 30 years experience organizing veteran sports – especially rugby. In addition Vintage Rugby international advisors have been appointed in key countries to advise individuals or team leaders about any aspect of Vintage Rugby.

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 appoint a Carnival ground operator who is responsible for the accommodation, transport and social functions. There are usually 4 levels of accommodation to cater for the different team budgets.There are all inclusive packages which all visiting teams must purchase.

Q: Why is it a condition of entry that all visiting teams must take one of the official Carnival packages ?
A: This is a common requirement for most big international events and is mainly to ensure that teams can be part of all aspects of the carnival week. With so many teams being part of the carnival the coordination of accommodation and transport to and from the social functions is important. It’s also not unreasonable to assume that teams will have a few drinks after each match and (even more) at the social functions so it would be irresponsible to suggest they provide their own transport in these circumstances. Getting the teams to the playing venue on time is also very important and helps ensure minimum disruption to the carnival programme and the start of each match.


Q: Where can I get more information about Vintage Rugby?
A: Further details can be obtained by visiting the Vintage Rugby website www.vintagerugby.com
or by contacting the Vintage Rugby office:
(+64) 09 425 5294 (phone);
(+64) 09 425 6956 (fax)
or by mail – PO Box 78, Snells Beach 0942, New Zealand