European Golden Oldies Rugby

Like a number of other "Veterans" Games, Rugby is available for the over 35+ who wish to play - and enjoy - the Game they have loved for years ... and in many cases, years and……years.

Generally, the normal Laws or Rules of the Game apply, with some minor alterations... Unlimited Substitution, Shorter Playing Times, over vigorous Play is discouraged and at all times, the emphasis for all Players is always on - "Fun, Friendship, Fraternity and Family! ”

Saturday 6th December, 2003 was a very important day in the History of the European Golden Oldies Rugby Movement.  After months of hard work by Secretary Marko Protega and the Committee for the preparation and acceptance of mutual Terms of Agreement, President Dave McDonald was invited to the Annual Conference of F.I.R.A. / A.E.R. being held in Paris.  The Agreement means that the European Golden Oldies Rugby Secretariat has been recognised as a key partner of F.I.R.A. / A.E.R.

Since then, our Membership has grown from strength and at present, we have 40 Countries in Europe, with a Representative of Golden Olden Rugby on our Committee !

Festivals are held every two years, with the Host City / Team for the next Festival being announced at the Final Dinner of the current Festival. A specific set of Criteria are available to Teams who may wish to organise a Festival in their own Country…….however, there are certain requirements which have to be adhered to……..and copies are available on request.

Golden Oldies Rugby has been played in Europe for over 35 years, but our first Festival was in 1992 …..

The founding Father of the European Golden Oldies Rugby movement, was Jeff Butterfield - ex Northampton, England and Lions star who was the driving force for many years. Through Jeff’s great efforts, Golden Oldies Rugby developed from just a few Teams and a few Countries being involved. Jeff was elected as the first Honorary President of the European Committee, at the Secretariat Meeting during the 6^th Festival in Split in 2001.  Taking over at the helm, is Dave McDonald from Scotland, a Past President of Aberdeen Grammar RFC, who is the new European President. Sadly, just a few days prior to the 7th Festival, in 2004, Jeff passed away and all our Sympathies were extended to his widow.

Anyone who wishes to participate in Golden Oldies Rugby can contact our Secretary at the address overleaf to be put in touch with your own Country Representative on the European Golden Oldies Rugby Committee, or e-mail – mcgoldiego@hotmail.com

Golden Oldies Rugby is now played all, over the World, and in every corner of Europe and tries to adhere to the following :-
1 I will play the Game of Rugby for the Game's sake.
2 I will not remember the score at the end of the Game.
3 If I " made it " during my Playing days, I will not use that to embarrass others.
4 If I didn't "make it" during my Playing days, I will not use the Golden Oldies to do so.
5 I will at all times during the Game, respect the older and more decrepit Members of the other Team.
6 I will follow the Golden Oldies philosophy of Fun, Irreverence and Self - Indulgence.
7 I will be an Ambassador for Golden Oldies and spread the good word.
8 I will never loose sight of the Rule to make friends and renew acquaintances in exotic places.
9 I will always remember that I'm at far greater risk at what I may do to myself, or have done to me socially, than anything which may happen to me on the Field!

As yet, there is no specific Sponsorship for our Golden Oldies Rugby, although we are always looking for a wealthy benefactor ….or two ! All Clubs and Individuals pay an Annual Fee of 120 euro. We produce a regular Newsletter, but this costs, so if any Company wishing to Sponsor our Rugby, or future Newsletters, please contact -        dave.mcdonald@bconnect.com

The Official European Golden Oldies Website is at:

http://www.europeangoldenoldiesrugby.com/