NEWS & ENTRIES UPDATE....
With less than 40 days to the opening match of the 2006 Carnival, we can confirm the following teams representing 12 countries will be playing in Buenos Aires -
Canada, Bahamas, Australia, South Africa, USA, Switzerland, England, Germany, Argentina, France, Russia and Ireland.

The teams are:

Last minute news to hand ……
Union Bulldogs report that their oldest player is Arthur Olwagen (left). He is 71 years old although he would actually prefer to be older. Arthur has been playing “golden oldies" for the past 12 years. Last year he was very badly injured when a loose maul collapsed on top of him. He broke his collar bone and fractured several ribs. Unbeknown to him one rib punctured his lung and he was very lucky to survive as he almost drowned in his own blood. Since then the team have not allowed him to play but he has made a full recovery. In BA he will only be allowed on the field for a few minutes at a time. That is the team’s decision and not his.

Ian Newton from Ye Olde Dogs of Wanneroo reports that their team in Buenos Aires will include Allan Barker a former Australian Ambassador to Argentina who has been a great help to the team in their preparations for the trip. Allan has moved a fair quantity of red tape in his time so it was relatively easy for him to introduce the side to the current Ambassador, suggest exciting and unusual side trips, hotels etc. Well done Allan !

The Pacific Northwest Over 40 Rugby Union (their team will be in Buenos Aires) have asked us to remind Vintage Rugby players about their 2007 Pacific Northwest Over 40 World Invitational Rugby Festival which is being held once again at the Burnaby Lake Rugby Complex in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada on May 4 (over 50 & 60 games) and May 5 (over 40 & 35 games). The event includes great entertainment, the annual Rugby Sing Song contest and of course a great beer garden and BBQ.

For more information contact Steve Baron at – sjbaron@telus.net

MEET ANOTHER THREE TEAMS COMING TO BUENOS AIRES …..
In this final Carnival summary we meet three more teams coming from 3 different continents to Buenos Aires. All 3 sides have a commitment to vet rugby and a great love for their sport – Battleship RFC Old Boys (USA), l'Union Française des Anciens du Rugby (UFAR) (France) and the Manly Steamers (Australia).

The Battleship Old Boys RFC are an off shoot of the Battleship RFC formed in 1977 in Mobile, Alabama. Most of the Mobile based members have been associated with the club since the late 1980's and have participated in the teams two national championship seasons in 1992 and 2001.

The team participated in the initial World Vintage Carnival in Limerick and have also travelled to England, Scotland, Wales, Bermuda, and the Bahamas over the years. They are looking forward to meeting up with old mates in Buenos Aires as well as making new friends, and once again attempting to cover as many of the local
population and statues with Mardi Gras beads as they can.

UFAR stands for Union Francaise des Anciens du Rugby which means French Rugby Veteran Union. The team is consequently a mix of players from various Vet teams from all over France whose common goal is to play rugby and enjoy friendship. Travelling through many places over the years including Cuba, Chile, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Madagascar or Australia, the UFAR team has developed a strong sense of adaptation and conversion : adaptation to local culture (smoking cigars in Cuba or crawling like a wombat during a vets dinner in South Australia after 10 beers) and conversion of new local mates to totally strange French historical habits including the full teaching of La Fille du Bedouin's song to any foreign player they happen to meet. The UFAR team has an important question to answer in Buenos Aires : Is Argentinean wine really better than French Bordeaux ?
The answer will obviously be in the tasting !

Manly Steamers were formed in 1983 and participated in its first ever tournament in Sydney that year. The Steamers is a sub club of the Manly Rugby Club, which is celebrating its Centenary this year. Since 1983, the Steamers have continued to field a team in both local and overseas veteran events as well as play 8- 10 matches each year.

The group which attended the first World Vintage Carnival in Limerick was so impressed with the event that it was easy to recruit people for the tour to Buenos Aires. They have 38 in their touring party made up of 19 players and 19 supporters.

The Manly Steamers whose motto is “We never run out of puff” is now sponsored by Ultra Tune Manly - so we are now “ ultra tuned” – All opposition watch out !!!

WHO WILL BE THE OLDEST PLAYER IN BUENOS AIRES ?....
The response to our request for information about the oldest players coming to BA was swift and very interesting. Although it would appear that Roly Witt (team leader of the Evergreens - right) will be the oldest player in Buenos Aires there are many contenders chasing that illustrious title. Here is a summary of the 15 oldest players (in order of age) as provided by team leaders:

• Roly Witt (Evergreens) - 75;
• Dennis Nick (UCT Alzheimers .... I Think) - 72
• Dr Tom Burke (NY Vintage Whines) - 71;
• Gerd Scharn (Die alten Preussen) - 71;
• Arthur Olwagen (Union Bulldogs) - 71;
• Frank Duk (UCT Alzheimers .... I Think) - 70;
• Bob Wilson (Brisbane Budgies) - 68;
• John Ross (Aston Old Edwardians) - 68;
• John Molloy (Lansdowne Treasurers) - 67
• Dermot Kearns (Lansdowne Treasurers) - 67
• Roy Bradley (Aston Old Edwardians RFC) - 67
• Charl Ransburg (Durbell Maestros) - 66;
• Ivor Thomas (Queensland XXXX) - 66;
• Dan Phillips (Battleship Old Boys) - 65;
• Gerry Horton (Manly Steamers) - 64.

Some other interesting notes:-
John Molloy and Dermot Kearns from Lansdowne Treasurers were born on the same day.
Brian Coyle from Navan Rugby Club says he was born before records began !

And the final word on this subject comes from none other than David Morgan (Bustard Eagles team leader) who told us:
‘I have the wisdom of a 17 year old
the weight of 3 average 50 year old men
the gracefulness of a 75 year old man and
the speed of a 102 year old veteran
That would make me about 344 - Do I qualify?’

WHAT DO RUGBY LEGENDS MARTIN SANSOT AND PATRICIO NORIEGA HAVE IN COMMON?....
Obviously they are both rugby legends in Argentina but they also share another very special relationship – they are members of  Las Anguilas (the Eels) – the most recent local team to enter the Buenos Aires Carnival. Lets recall their illustrious careers….

Martin Sansot  is considered to have been the best fullback to have ever played for Los Pumas. Playing during the Hugo Porta era he was a devastatingly creative runner with the ball, with the gift of uncanny vision as to how play was unfolding and with an exceptional anticipation for being at the right place, exactly at the right time on the paddock. Defensively he was seen as an uncompromisingly ferocious defender.
He is pictured here, 4th from the right in the front row.>>

In his formative years and through his career outside of Los Pumas, Martin Sansot played his rugby for the Pueyrredon Club in Buenos Aires.

During his illustrious career for Los Pumas and successive South America selections which spanned a period of 10 years he played against all of the world’s major rugby playing nations with the exceptions of Ireland & Scotland. He is also one of the very few players to have ever scored 32 points or more, in an international match.

Martin remains active in rugby, having continued playing after his Test career for the Pumas Classic ´veterans´ side and is currently playing for the Las Anguilas (the Eels) a Buenos Aires veterans side.

In his professional life, he maintains a high profile in broadcasting as a radio rugby show and ESPN host with the popular weekly TV show ´Leyendas de Rugby´ (Legends of Rugby).

At the young age of 51 he remains a charming, hospitable, yet very modest gentleman, with all of the attributes one would expect from somebody brought up in the ´old school´ of rugby.

Patricio Noriega  emerged at an early age as a prop with a real future ahead of him. At 20 he earned his first test ´cap´ for LOS PUMAS against Paraguay. That was the beginning of an incredible international rugby career.
He is pictured here in the back row 3rd player from the left.>>
Described at various stages of his career as ´the best prop in the world´, Noriega played 25 Tests for Argentina before moving to Australia in 1995.
His goal of representing Australia came 3 years later when he was selected to tour Europe with the Wallabies in1998, making his Test debut against France. He played 24 Tests for the Wallabies and was a member of the 1999 Rugby World Cup team.

Patricio Noriega also made his mark at Super 12 level for the ACT Brumbies. He joined the new franchise in their foundation year (1996) and played 53 Super 12 matches between 1996 and 2000. He then played a season French champion club Stade Francais, before returning to Australia and linking up with the NSW Waratahs in 2001 where he played 13 more Super 12 matches.
Following his return to full fitness Noriega enjoyed the unique opportunity to play in three different teams against the touring British Lions (Western Australia, NSW & Australia A).
He was back to his best form in 2002 when he started at tighthead prop for nine of the Wallabies' 10 Tests, including an inspired performance against his former homeland in Buenos Aires. He followed up in 2003 by playing in the first six Tests of the season prior to retiring due to continuing back problems.
Wallaby coach Eddie Jones, who also coached Noriega at the ACT Brumbies, said he was one of the toughest players he had ever coached.
"Patricio has made a significant contribution to the game, not only with the Wallabies, but also with the ACT Brumbies & the NSW Waratahs," Jones said. "He is a very tough uncompromising customer and always played the game with plenty of passion and intensity."
Noriega said he would always cherish his time representing Australia and the Wallabies."It was a great honour to play for Argentina, but to also have the chance to play 24 Tests for Australia was well beyond my expectations.
"Rugby has given me so many opportunities, both in Argentina and Australia and I retired with many fantastic memories as well as friendships around the world.
Patricio Noriega is now head coach of his former club Hindú, leading them to become champions of the National Clubs Championship in 2005.
 
Link to the team photo to see these players, with some of their team mates>>.

IN 2008 THE FUN CONTINUES …BUT WHERE????
In the beginning there was Ireland (Limerick 2004); Then came Argentina (Buenos Aires 2006) – and in 2008 the fun continues in …????
The big announcement about the venue for the 2008 World Vintage Rugby Carnival will be made on September 1 through this website.
All teams and individuals on the Vintage Rugby database will receive full details including a copy of the news release, access to a new website which will be followed up by a DVD and printed material and our regular email newsletters. We can’t tell you the venue yet,  BUT ....we can tell you that in keeping with the ideals of Vintage Rugby it is a city personally favoured and selected by a big majority of our teams. Watch this space !

TICK, TOCK – VINTAGE RUGBY BRINGS PEOPLE AROUND THE GLOBE TOGETHER....
John Sutherland (team leader of the Morris Masters) read the poem ‘Why we play the Game’ written by Rupert McCall that appeared in our last newsletter and sent this note.
‘I read with interest the poem written for the latest newsletter - well the funny thing is, there is a great song by the Vaughn Bros. from Texas, Stevie Ray and Jimmie, entitled Tick Tock. I am enclosing the lyrics, with a few modifications!!
If you take it in the context of rugby, well in one way it sums up why we attend these Carnivals, as we break down the cultural and political barriers to come together for a common good, the sport of rugby.

The lyrics say a lot, since when rugby players get together at events like this, it is our common bond of the sport that helps to transcend all the other crap going on in the world. For one short period of time, the world has come together, for the good of you and me. If you get a chance to listen to the song, it is even better’.

"One night while sleeping in my bed I had a beautiful dream
That all the people of the world got together on the same wavelength
And began helping one another
Now in this dream, universal love was the theme of the day
Peace and understanding and it happened this way"

The sick, the hungry, had smiles on their faces
The tired and the homeless had family all around
The streets and the cities were all beautiful places
And the walls came tumblin' down

People of the world all had it together
Had it together for the boys and the girls
And the children of the world look forward to a future
Remember
Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock people, time's tickin' away
Remember that
Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock people, time's tickin' away

I had a vision of blue skies from sea to shining sea
All the trees in the forest stood strong and tall again
Everything was clean and pretty and safe for you and me
The worst of enemies became the best of friends

People of the world all had it together
Had it together for the boys and the girls
Children of the world look forward to a future

Remember
Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock people, time's tickin' away
Remember that
Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock people, time's tickin' away

Remember that, remember that
Remember that, remember that


People of the world all had it together
Had it together for the boys and the girls
Children of the world look forward to a future


Remember
Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock people, time's tickin' away
Remember that
Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock people, time's tickin' away

http://www.mp3lyrics.org/v/vaughan-bros/tick-tock/printerfriendly.html  6/26/2006

ITS BARGAIN SEASON IN BUENOS AIRES....
Earlier this week Allan Falck our intrepid Ground Operator in Buenos Aires sent us this final note extolling the ‘virtues’ of shopping in Buenos Aires – we thought we should share what he said:

‘Its SPRING SALE time in Buenos Aires, so that means the downtown shops are offering BARGAINS GALORE.

I was walking up Calle Florida yesterday and the signs ´LIQUIDACION´ which means SALE were everywhere.

As an example of ´value´ I recently purchased three (3) pair of hand-stitched leather men’s fashion shoes (beautiful leather upper, thick leather sole) for the excessive sum of ARS430 pesos.

Now putting that in perspective that’s the equivalent of USD143 or approx 72 UK pounds.

Currently one USD is buying ARS3.07 Pesos and one Pound is buying ARS5.95 Pesos

In most countries we know of, ONE pair of the same quality of men’s fashion shoes would cost what I paid for three pairs here.

Most leather wear is at giveaway Spring Sale prices but the participants at the Carnival need to look around first before plunging in and perhaps best if they seek our help as to the shops we recommend - those would be shops Muriel and I buy shoes, leather jackets, sweaters etc for ourselves.

Sundance Spirit has never been involved at all in the aged old ´shopping commissions´ business, nor will we be, however there are some exceptional boutiques we do recommend as we know the shop owners speak English, have a very good grasp of what the customer wants and will hand tailor garments to suit, rather than just offer what’s on the racks and the hand tailored items are on ´sale´ price as well.

One of those leather boutiques for instance, on the left hand side corner walking from our offices towards the Presidential Palace on the corner of Calle FLORIDA and LA VALLE is called R&S .. it has a big sign above the mall in bright big blue and red letters that simply says ´R&S`.

The ladies there are wonderfully helpful, the owner offers at least 10% discount for CASH purchases and I have personally bought three different leather jackets there now and never ever seen a better quality at a price close to what I’ve paid.

So, for the gents who are coming with partners or wives, lock-up the VISA & Mastercards, but be prepared to buy extra suitcases for the bargains you’ll be sure to go home with.

PS ... The Carnival participants coming from Australia or South Africa will be travelling on an airline PIECE baggage system, which allows each person to check-in 2 pieces, with each piece not to exceed 32kg -. if there are two people, you can get a lot of shoes, leather wear, hand bags and other apparel into 2 bags.

Spring Sales are in full flight !

Allan Falck’

WHERE TO IN 2010? IT IS YOUR CHOICE....
Once we have announced the details about the 2008 Carnival it will be time to ask you where you’d like to travel to in 2010. That may seem like a long way away but you’ll be surprised how quickly the tour will come around. Vintage Rugby is totally committed to hosting carnivals at venues personally selected by our supporters – nowhere else ! So don’t be surprised later this year when a simple questionnaire hits your In-Box posing questions about your favoured venue for 2010. It’s in your own interest to complete the document to indicate your rugby desires!

WANT VINTAGE RUGBY GEAR BUT NOT COMING TO BUENOS AIRES?.....
Vintage Rugby recently announced the appointment of Argie Sports as the Official Merchandising and Sponsorship Company for the 2006 World Vintage Rugby Carnival.
Argie Sports have designed and produced a range of Vintage Rugby souvenir items and clothing which will be available during the Carnival. For those who can't make it to Buenos Aires but would like to be able to buy Vintage Rugby gear, items are available now and can be viewed and ordered online at - www.argiesports.com  - or even to just view the range.

GOING TO RUGBY WORLD CUP 2007 AND WANT A GAME?....
During RWC 2007 the Veteran Rugby Player Union (UFAR) – a branch of the French Rugby Union (who have a team coming to Buenos Aires), will be organising veteran games in all cities hosting RWC official games. These mini festivals will welcome any visiting foreign or French veteran team. The venues and dates of these special one-day festivals are as follows
MONTPELLIER : Sept. the 15th; Sept. the 22nd; Sept. the 29th.
MARSEILLE : Sept. the 9th; Sept. the 23th; Sept. the 29th; Oct. the 05th.
PARIS : Sept. the 29th(Sucyen Brie); Oct. the 5th(Epinay); Oct. the 12th(Bretigny).
LYON : Sept. the 9th.
ST ETIENNE : Sept. the 30th.
TOULOUSE : Sept. the 15th(Tournefeuille); Sept. the 28th(Albi).
BORDEAUX : Sept. the 8th(Cenon); Sept. the 30th(Cenon).
LENS : Sept. the 23rd(Amiens).
NANTES : Sept.the8th; Sept.the23th; Sept. the 30th .

Games will be played over half a day respecting the usual veteran rules.
Teams will share a friendly meal before and after the games. Each player will be asked for a 50 Euros fee. This fee includes both meals, entry into the festival and transfers to and from the grounds (from your hotel).
Please note that UFAR cannot make hotel bookings or arrange RWC tickets. Each player must be insured. UFAR will not accept any kind of responsibility in case of any accident.

For more details please contact:
Jeff Monfraix (in English) jfmonfraix@wanadoo.fr  
André Plantié (in French) andre.plantie@wanadoo.fr

FINALLY....
Thanks to everyone who has helped make the 2006 World Vintage Rugby Carnival possible – especially:

• The teams from 12 countries who are about to make their way to Buenos Aires.
• Sundance Spirit – Allan & Muriel Falck and all their staff.
• Frank Forrester and his staff at Argie Sports.
• Dianne McDermott and the Vintage Sport office staff.
• The officers and staff of Belgrano Athletic & Rugby Club.
• Rugby Director Bryan O’Neill
• All our sponsors and business partners.
• Our international rugby advisors

This has been an adventure in every sense of the word and we’ve enjoyed almost every aspect – it’s certainly been an education for all those involved and we have no doubt that the 2006 World Vintage Rugby Carnival will be an outstanding rugby experience for the 1200+ people who will be in Buenos Aires next month. Thank you for your confidence and we look forward to your support in 2008.

Yours in Rugby,

Paul Gleeson
Vintage Rugby Office.

PS:
We will keep you updated about Vintage Rugby and the 2006 World Vintage Rugby Carnival in Buenos Aires…
Your next issue of the Vintage Rugby update will be sent in October and will feature reports and pictures from the 2006 Buenos Aires Carnival and news about our Carnival in 2008.