THE NEW DATE IS 23rd to 30th MAY, 2021

Dear Golden Oldies

First and foremost, we’d like to pass on our thoughts to our Golden Oldies Rugby family in every corner of the world – we hope you are safe and well.

Please take care.

Among the many consequences of COVID-19 is that Golden Oldies Rugby, like so many events, has been affected and like us, those of you who had planned to be in Denver will be disappointed the Festival will not take place this June 2020 as scheduled.

Now that we have been able to reschedule for May 23-30, 2021, we are working with the Local Organising Committee and our event partners to finalise details. As you will appreciate, re-booking venues, accommodation, catering, transport etc requires considerable planning and coordination – but please be assured we are working through this process as quickly as possible.

On a positive note, we have had a very encouraging response from our registered teams – the majority are keen and committed to Denver 2021. And no doubt next year’s date will allow more teams to play as well!
Do you have any questions?

If you have questions regarding next year’s Festival, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Email Mike Godinet – mike@govsl.com

Golden Oldies rugby was created in 1979 so lovers of the great game could stay involved and travel to great parts of the world. That remains our core focus and we have featured here three gentlemen who personify what Golden Oldies stands for.

FRED ALEXANDER (USA) – A Denver resident, Fred’s first Golden Oldies Rugby Festival was 1993 in Dublin and the only one he’s missed since is Cape Town in 1998. He’s lobbied long and hard to bring the Festival to Denver and is looking forward to showing off his hometown. Read more about Fred >

RAY MILTON (Australia) – Nelson Bay Grey Gropers was restarted in 1990, my second year here (the club had begun in 1986 and played Parramatta at home for two years). I took part in the first away trip in 1991, whilst still playing grade. Our game against Warringah is still the hardest GO game I have ever played. I have been on the committee from 1990 till today and rule as a benign dictator as President (read that no-one else wants the job). Denver will be my 10th World Festival, my first being at Christchurch in 1995 and I have loved them all. Read more about Milto>

COLIN PIERCE (New Zealand) – Colin was a foundation Golden Oldies Rugby player. Playing in the very first Festival in 1979 with his Whanganui and Taranaki mates. More recently Colin ran the Golden Oldies Bowls Festival.

The crown jewel of New Zealand rugby is the Ranfurly Shield and playing for Whanganui Colin created a part of that rich history. A series of articles by Paul Montague for stuff.co.nz on the Ranfurly Shield featured Colin in part one and that can be read here.

Rugby still occupies a large space in the Pierce family. His son Scott was an All Black trialist and NZ 7s player and Scott’s son, Jacob, who is 2.01m tall, is a lock in the Auckland Blues.

VINTAGE SPORT & LEISURE UPDATE
Like all businesses we have been greatly impacted by the pandemic. We had a team in Hawaii running the Golden Oldies Netball when the you know what hit the fan and we had to cancel after the first days play. The best part of 500 Netballers remained in Hawaii for a week of R&R before heading home to ‘Lockdown’.

We have rescheduled the Rugby Festival to May 2021 and the Cricket Festival due to be held in England this August has also had to be moved to 2021. Other events we had planned in 2020 have now been moved to alternative dates.

Golden Oldies Golf – from July 2020 to April/May 2021.
Golden Oldies Softball – from September 2020 to April May 2021
Golden Oldies Hockey remains in October 2021.
Vintage Rugby is scheduled for April or May 2022

We remain positive and have been encouraged by the number of teams, in the rugby and cricket in particular, who have confirmed their commitment to attending next year.

We wish everyone all the best and look forward to seeing you in the near future.