The world’s longest running veteran rugby tournament is due to arrive in the home of Welsh rugby this August and it’s expected that the capital will provide the ideal setting for a week of fun, friendship and fraternity. Established in 1979, the festival aims to provide a tournament through which the over 35s can continue to enjoy their favourite sport – without any of the pressures that a game of rugby can cause. The Golden Oldies events always place emphasis on camaraderie – they promote enjoyment of both rugby and the companionship of those who share a common interest in the game. The event is open to all veterans, president’s grade, old boys and golden oldies rugby teams – even groups of friends who are just eager to showcase their talents and get involved.
The biennial festival brings together rugby teams from across the globe who come to join in with the friendly atmosphere that the organisation is keen to nurture through its events. From its beginnings in 1979 – when only 14 teams from the USA, Canada and New Zealand entered the tournament – the festival has grown to attract teams from all over the world and has recently included four women’s grades in the competition due to increasing demand. The five men’s grades and four women’s grades allow the event to cater for rugby enthusiasts of all ages and abilities.
The Golden Oldies festival is set to make full use of Cardiff’s spectacular sporting facilities, with the event timetable crammed full with a variety of sporting, sightseeing and once in a lifetime opportunities which are sure to make for an unforgettable festival. The opening and closing parties are due to take place in Wales’ iconic Principality Stadium – two memorable evenings of food, drink and entertainment. In addition to this, there’ll be an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest scrum, an opportunity for 32 teams to play in the Cardiff Arms Park and The Big Day Out, hosted by St David’s Hall. ELEANOR JOHNSON
Golden Oldies Rugby Festival, Cardiff, Sun 21 – Sun 28 Aug. Tickets: prices vary per event. Info: www.europeangoldenoldiesrugby.com