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THE LATEST
VINTAGE RUGBY NEWS ....
 The
good news recently was the entry received from Ye Olde Dogs of Wanneroo,
long-time Vintage Rugby supporters from Perth, Western Australia. The team
played in the first Carnival in Limerick and then in Buenos Aires so they
obviously like the Vintage Rugby style of organising carnivals. Pictured
here is the team in Buenos Aires.
We now have teams from France, the USA, New Zealand, Australia, Argentina,
Ireland, South Africa, Norfolk Island, Republic of Congo and Spain
registered.
There is still plenty of interest from teams who are planning on coming to
Christchurch. For example Eugene Skowronski (he played for the Archiball
Association USA in Buenos Aires) enjoyed the BA experience so much he’s
decided not to play with them in Christchurch but to create his own team
made up entirely of Harvard Business School Old Boys!
 With
the support of every team coming to Christchurch plans are being made
to launch a project during the Carnival which will hopefully make a
worthwhile contribution towards a local children’s charity.
The concept is the brainchild of David Morgan (team leader of the Bustard
Eagles) who has challenged all teams to bring an extra brand new (unused)
rugby jersey to Christchurch. This will provide at least 40 jerseys that
will be used to generate income for the charity
It will also provide an opportunity for all the teams to be involved in
supporting a very worthwhile cause and leaving something constructive behind
when they return home after a very enjoyable week in Christchurch.
The selected charity is The Bone Marrow Cancer Trust who have just
built a large block of apartments (Ranui House - pictured) for patients and
families who have to come to Christchurch for lengthy treatment and
previously had to stay in motels.
THURSDAY
NIGHT RUGBY....
 There
is more good news for teams coming to the Christchurch Carnival - the draw
for the Air New Zealand Cup (the National Provincial Rugby Competition) has
just been released and we now know that a good match has been scheduled for
the evening of Thursday September 18 – during the week of the Carnival. The
Thursday Night Rugby match will be played at AMI Stadium (formerly Lancaster
Park and then Jade Stadium) and will feature Canterbury playing Bay of
Plenty. It should be an exciting match.
This news has obviously filtered through to some of the teams because there
have already been enquiries about accessing tickets (which don’t go on sale
until July 31). Vintage Rugby have had talks with the Canterbury Rugby Union
and are pleased to announce a special Vintage Rugby rate for seats which
will offer excellent viewing and provide access to the Scenic Circle Lounge
where they can purchase food and beverage.
MEET ANOTHER TEAM COMING TO CHRISTCHURCH AND THEIR
POET ‘LAUREATE’....
Made up of local Farmers, Businessmen, Tradesmen and even an
Ambulance Paramedic, the Condamine Codgers are the
Vintage Rugby team from the Condamine Cods Rugby Club situated on the
Western Darling Downs in Queensland, Australia. The Condamine Rugby Club was
founded in 1999, but the Codgers have only been playing since 2003.
Click here to see the club website..
Averaging around five to six games per year, the Condamine Codgers
will travel just about anywhere (including, they say, New Zealand) to have a
game. The Codgers range in age from 36 to 67 years old. They don’t take
themselves too seriously, but enjoy the fun and friendly atmosphere that is
associated with Vintage Rugby. The Codgers are 100% committed to the
cause – 10% Rugby, 90% Socialising.
Vintage Rugby asked their Poet ‘laureat’ Ken Brown to describe in his own
words (prose) a Condamine Codger ….
Who are these men?
You will see them at the footy,
You can have a beer with them,
They’re the genuine article,
There’s nothing artificial about these men.
During the off season,
The waistline it did grow,
But with a couple of training runs,
They really start to glow.
So when the season starts,
And it’s time to get fit,
You will see them working out,
And trimming down a bit.
They’ve played some quality opposition,
And taken on the best,
They’re afraid of no one,
Every game played like a test.
They’ll be there for the season,
No slouches in this mob,
They’ll get down and dirty,
And get on with the job.
When the season’s over,
Holidays they will take,
To take time to let their wounds heal,
And enjoy the Christmas break.
So who are these so called legends,
Who were hero’s in their day,
They’re the mighty Condamine Codgers,
Come and see them play.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN CANTERBURY
FOR PLAYERS AND PARTNERS....
 Visitors
to Christchurch will obviously want to see and experience as much of the
region as possible.
There are a good number of local Christchurch activities (many free), but
also some excellent half and full day excursions to the regions unique
attractions; a high country safari including the TranzAlpine Express, a
whale watch cruise in Kaikoura or swimming with the dolphins in the French
settlement of Akaroa to name just a few.
Non playing partners may be looking to maximize their time in Christchurch
by taking advantage of half or full day tours such as the ‘Arthur’s Pass Day
Trip’, an exclusive Christchurch Shopping Tour, a ‘Taste of New Zealand
Tour’ including a visit to 4 of the region’s top cuisine outlets to taste
some of New Zealand’s finest delights de Spa chocolates, Akaroa Salmon, New
Zealand cheese and ice-cream, St Helena wines and continental meats or if
you fancy tasting some vintage NZ wines - a ‘Half Day Waipara Wine Tour’.
There are many other great ideas and Southern World (the Carnival ground
operator) will provide details about the many tours available, their
duration and costs. Look at their
dedicated Vintage Rugby web site here.
Please contact John Coutts -
jcoutts@southern-world.com
to discuss the team’s requirements.
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>.
WE ANSWER YOUR
QUESTIONS....
We have received a number of questions from teams entered or contemplating
coming to Christchurch. The following is a summary of some of the most asked
questions and our answers….
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:
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: Do participants have to travel on specific airlines to participate in
a Vintage Rugby Carnival?
A: Whilst preferred carriers with special fare offers will sometimes
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: Can we bring family & friends?
A: Of course, we have a number of teams already registered for
Christchurch who are bringing their families and through Southern World we
can offer special accommodation. All you need to do is let us know of family
and supporters requirements as you enter.
Q: Do we have to take one of the official Carnival ground packages?
A: It is a condition of entry that all team members living further
than 50kms from Christchurch must take one of the packages detailed in the
Carnival brochure and on the website. These packages have been designed to
appeal to most requirements and budgets. The selected accommodation is all
located close to the city and host clubs. Co-ordinated transport is also
very important to ensure people arrive at the grounds in time for the
scheduled starts.
Q: Can we use the Carnival logo and have our sponsors names displayed on
our uniforms?
A: Yes – of course to both questions. We can provide free access to
the Carnival logo and we have no problems with team sponsors getting due
recognition on uniforms or publicity material. (Click
here to request a Carnival logo)
 YOU HAVE TO SEE IT TO BELIEVE IT ….
Take a look at this collection of photos, which include wonderful
images of Christchurch, the Canterbury Region and New Zealand – all just
waiting for you to come and see yourself...
See the Image Gallery here>>>
why not join the vintage rugby
team....
How about a Weblink …Banners … We have a couple of great banners all
pre-coded and ready to paste into your website.
Details here >>>.
And we can keep others up to date too....
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material about the Christchurch Vintage Rugby Carnival
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Enjoy Golf?
If your Rugby days are over and Golf is your new sport take a look at what
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