A SELECTION OF QUOTABLE QUOTES FROM PREVIOUS CARNIVALS

“Hello from Limerick. The weather is here, wish you were beautiful. We’ve come through our first game without injury. The team we played spent fewer times under their posts than we did, but who cares. The only incident worth reporting occurred when our lock, and assistant tour guide for the trip got bored and put one foot out of the scrum. Not long after, however, he put one foot back in the scrum. Still later, he put one foot back out, and shook it all about. Unconfirmed reports then indicated that he did the Hokey Pokey and he turned himself around” - (extract from an anonymous postcard sent home during the Limerick Carnival).


“Congratulations on creating a wonderful rugby experience! The Vintage Rugby Carnival 2004 in Limerick will be, without a doubt, among my most cherished memories. From the opening ceremonies to the closing gala, every aspect of the event seemed to be run with the highest level of organization and professionalism.
After fifteen years of marriage, this trip was both the honeymoon my wife and I never took as well as her 40th birthday gift. And as much as I enjoyed our trip, she enjoyed it even more! This was her first rugby tour and she was amazed at the overall spirit of comradery and at how quickly the bonds of friendship can form among ruggers. I feel this speaks volumes of the high quality of your people and product and the teams that it attracted.” - Alan W. Thompson, a member of Les Archiball USA.

“Just a brief word from the Lansdowne Treasures to thank the organisers for a fantastic carnival in Buenos Aires. Everyone of our guys were ‘blown away’ by the week.” Frank Kenny, Lansdowne Treasures (Ireland)

“The Old Edwardians had an outstanding time in Argentina. It is a carnival that will be talked about for many years to come.” Tim Watson, Aston Old Edwardians RFC (England)

“Well it was absolutely gob smacking wonderful - what a fantastic time at a rugby carnival. I can say that all the Bustards enjoyed themselves immensely and this carnival only served to cement Vintage as the place to be. Fan - bloody – tastic.” David Morgan, Bustard Eagles (Australia)

“It was a great pleasure for us to be at the World Vintage Rugby Carnival in Buenos Aires. To take part was a great honour and, of course, it was a lot of fun to play against the other international teams. We enjoyed the carnival very much and, therefore, we want to say ‘Danke schon’ for your wonderful hospitality and organisation of an excellent Oldie carnival” Heinz Nass, Die alten Preussen (Germany)

“Wow ! What a success ! We all commented on how big is not always beautiful and that the chosen vintage format was enjoyed by all the Goldies members who were in BA. In fact the Goldies were all very sad to leave such an exciting and friendly Carnival. Well done ! ” Kevin Kiri, Queensland XXXX Goldies Rugby Club (Australia)

“Just a short note to say how much the Bangkok Bangers enjoyed their stay in Buenos Aires and the rugby days. Thank you very much for all the hard work and excellent organisation that went into the carnival. We had a great tour.” Roger Fitzgerald, Old Bangkok Bangers (Thailand)

“What a wonderful experience to enjoy the company of so many rugby enthusiasts in Christchurch - a beautiful city in the heart of the Rugby Capital of the World. The rugby, entertainment, tours and most of all the Vintage Rugby Organization were, once again, world class. For us each Carnival has been better than the last in terms of the fun we have had and the side trips we have made. As for the parade, it was the best we’ve had and the opening ceremony the most entertaining. Well done Vintage Rugby” Dr William Welsh – team leader Archiball Association USA.

“Congratulations and well done on the Christchurch Carnival. From the Budgies view point it is great to attend a Rugby Carnival where rugby is high on the agenda - this meant we got rugby and good rugby on each and every day and then we had the great city of Christchurch to enjoy . And wow wasn't that a great city ! We thought the organisation of the Carnival from the pick up at the airport, the Traditional Maori Welcome, the entertainment at the two functions right through to the Finale Dinner was superb!Thank you ! We will certainly be looking forward to Cape Town.” Geoff Phillips – team leader Brisbane Budgies.

“Cape Town was awesome. Even the South Africans were impressed. Once again theorganization was superb, the city, the venue, the people, the scenery, there is so much to talk about. I think Vintage made a very big name for itself in Cape Town’ - George Wilson – team leader Union Bulldogs (South Africa)

“I guess the biggest thing for us was how the local teams that we met in Christchurch in 2008 (the Union Bulldogs in Jo-burg and the Citi Warriors in Cape Town) took us under their wing and looked after us. This is what World Vintage Rugby is all about. Rugby is the bonus, its meeting up again with the friends you have met and enjoying each other’s company once again. Can’t wait to catch up with the Swiss, the teams from the States, the Aussies of course, our very good friends from SA, the Argentineans’, just everyone. What a great atmosphere the Carnival presents.” Stuart Gouk – team leader Ohaupo Old Farts (New Zealand)