TEAMS FROM 10 COUNTRIES NOW CONFIRMED FOR THE CHRISTCHURCH WORLD VINTAGE RUGBY CARNIVAL....
 
36 teams are now confirmed for this year’s Carnival in Christchurch. Ohaupo and Waikiwi Dwarfs were the latest entries from New Zealand and they were joined by two new entries from France – UFAR (L’Union Francaise Des Anciens Du Rugby) and Rascasses (which brought the total French entries to 3). The countries represented to date are the USA, New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, Ireland, South Africa, France, Republic of Congo, Spain and Thailand. .

WHAT IS VINTAGE RUGBY....
There have been many rugby competitions, tours and tournaments (serious and social) with the great game played in all sorts of formats for various age groups. And then in 2002 along came, Vintage Rugby with a new friendly style that preserves the spirit and traditions of rugby and allows players of all ages and abilities to continue to play rugby and travel all over the world.

Vintage Rugby is all about Fun, Friendly Competition and Companionship on and off the Field. Its an ideal way to prolong rugby careers, to encourage past players to return to their clubs, to travel to fabulous rugby destinations and to enjoy playing their favourite sport against like minded lovers of the great game.

The Vintage Rugby organising team includes rugby people with over 20 years of experience arranging veteran rugby events. The emphasis at each Carnival is on enjoyment. Teams are graded according to fitness and ages so there are no Carnival winners. There are awards recognising players and teams who entered into the spirit and enjoyment of the carnival week.

The carnival rules and playing conditions ensure all teams are offered the chance to play rugby as competitively as they wish. Read all about the Carnival Laws and Age Groupings >>>

DON’T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT....
As organizers of Vintage Sports events we sometimes take for granted that people will enjoy themselves at our carnivals. We can also be quite biased about the benefits of being part of this great veteran movement. But don’t take our word for it – here is a selection of unsolicited comments from players who have attended Vintage Rugby Carnivals.

“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. ..”
Alan W. Thompson, a member of Les Archiball USA
“ I wish to thank you all for the fantastic Carnival and the experience I had. This was our first experience with ‘seasoned’ rugby and it won’t be the last. I and my team mates WILL be in Buenos Aires in 2006”
Jim Cunningham, Brisbane Bustards/Manly Steamers.

“…we could not have had a better time while in Ireland and are looking forward to Buenos Aires in 2006. Thanks for putting on a great event”
Lars Granade, Battleship RFC.

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

“A fantastic event which I really enjoyed, great people, good playing spirit, great value for what was included – will definitely do it again.”
Alan Hallowes, Harlequin Gentlemen (England)

“What a success! Went smoothly, safely and enjoyed thoroughly by all the Budgies. In fact the Budgies were very sad to leave Buenos Aires after such a relaxing and friendly carnival. Well done! We will be back for more.”
Geoff Phillips, Brisbane Budgies (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)
 

SO MANY GOOD REASONS TO REGISTER NOW!...
Want to be part of an international veteran rugby event? This is a unique opportunity to play against and socialise with older rugby players from around the world. For Australian and New Zealand teams there will never be an easier or more cost effective way for your team to experience a World Vintage Rugby Carnival so close to home.

The six day Vintage Rugby Carnival includes 3 match days and 2 huge social functions plus plenty of time to tour the Canterbury area as well as meeting old and new friends.

Full details about the 2008 World Vintage Rugby Carnival can be found on the event website www.vintagerugby.com. Details include information about the Carnival programme and costs.

The official Carnival entry brochure is available and is also loaded on the website. To view or download >>>. To request a personal copy of the Carnival DVD, Carnival brochure and Christchurch publicity brochures just send this email to the Vintage Rugby Office >>>

Enter now to avoid disappointment. You can enter on-line here>.

Why CHRISTCHURCH?....

Christchurch is a rugby-mad city located in the most famous rugby nation in the world, New Zealand.

Home to just 400,000, it is the home of many All Blacks, the Canterbury provincial rugby side as well as the all conquering Crusaders. Christchurch is entrenched in a proud rugby heritage. Players such as Daniel Carter and Richie McCaw reside in the city which boasts past players such as ex-All Blacks (and now Wallaby) coach Robbie Deans, Andrew Mehrtens and Todd Blackadder.

At the heart of Christchurch is Cathedral Square, a busy pedestrian area well known for its market days and lunchtime concerts. Nearby, the gently flowing Avon River meanders through the city offering grassy banks lined with poplar trees and weeping willows.

Getting around Christchurch is also very simple. There is relatively little traffic and streets are wide and flat. There are many other attractions in Christchurch including the Port Hills to hot air ballooning, shopping to dining, jet-boating to punting on the Avon River, something for everyone really.

Christchurch has successfully hosted many international sporting events in recent times, including the 2004 men's world softball championships, the 2004 world underwater hockey championships, the 2005 world maxibasketball championship and the 2005 all nations touch championship.

Known in New Zealand as the Garden City, it is situated on the east coast of the South Island, and is just a one hour drive from the spectacular Southern Alps which houses many ski fields, much native fauna and incredible vistas.

To the east lies Banks Peninsula which features sheltered bays, sandy beaches, bush clad valleys and rocky coastlines. Boating, fishing, many wineries and French-settled harbour-side village of Akaroa are key attractions of the peninsula.

A quick journey north reveals rolling hills, forests and long deserted beaches with the whale-watching centre of Kaikoura only two hours drive away. Inland is Hanmer Springs, an alpine resort featuring geothermal outdoor hot pools and 17,000ha of indigenous foliage.

Throughout the province, there are numerous attractions and activities too good to miss. For the overseas traveller, the area is a Mecca of adventure and opportunity so be sure to plan for a long stay and enjoy the region's world renowned scenery and hospitality.

Some interesting tourism websites to visit
www.sportsdestination.christchurch.org.nz  
www.christchurch.org.nz  
www.christchurchnz.net  
www.tourism.net.nz/

Enjoy Golf?
If your Rugby days are over and Golf is your new sport take a look at what is happening within Vintage Golf – please follow >