Vintage Rugby Carnival

In fact, 38 teams from eleven countries are going to descend upon one of world rugby’s Meccas, Cape Town, South Africa for the fourth carnival of fun, friendship and frivolity.

The numbers of  carnivallers in Cape Town will be right up there with numbers from previous events. It seems these international Rugby fanatics don’t mind where, and don’t mind when – their goal is simply to continue playing Rugby and making friends all over the world. Or as carnival organiser Paul Gleeson  explains: “To scrum, ruck and maul one more time with their mates.” 

“Vintage Rugby is all about honouring the game and honouring each other”.  Gleeson should know.  He has been at the altar of the game they play in Heaven for longer than almost anyone. As the Godfather of the Vintage sport, Gleeson has presided over three previous Carnivals – Limerick, which attracted 400 people, Buenos Aries (1200 people) and Christchurch (800 people).

Gleeson says every Carnival has its special attractions and memories for participants.  But almost all of the good times come from the people themselves.  They range from the oldest – in Cape Town there will be  two 76+ year olds; Bruce Gallaher and John McKee (both members of the Burleigh Bodgies in Queensland),  – to the young tyros, 35 and over who still have the desire to run, pass and tackle (and kick when the opposition sides are looming).

The Carnival is being staged from 29 August 29 – 4 September; A parade of the teams through the V&A Waterfront will be followed by a huge welcome cocktail party, 3 days of games and socializing at Wynberg  Boys’ High School (Aug 30, Sept 1,3), a big day out in the winelands and a finale dine & dance.

 
Look out Cape Town.  The Carnival is about to begin!