Wellington Gears Up To Host World’s Biggest Rugby Festival
The Russians are coming. And so are Sicily and Norfolk Island. These are just a few of the countries that will be represented in Wellington later this year when the city hosts the world’s biggest rugby festival.
From 29 October to 5 November more than 4,000 rugby-mad people will descend on Wellington, the home of New Zealand rugby, for the 16th Air New Zealand Golden Oldies World Rugby Festival.
More than 160 teams from 15 countries will fill the city in a festival that celebrates fun, friendship and fraternity. Teams will come from countries less known for their rugby such as the United States, Japan, American Samoa and Spain and more traditional rugby-playing nations; France, Ireland, England, Italy, South Africa, Cook Islands, Samoa, Australia and of course, New Zealand.
Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast says the city is very much looking forward to hosting the Golden Oldies World Rugby Festival.
“Our visitors are in for a fantastic time as rugby clubs throughout the city gear up to host them in New Zealand’s rugby capital. Wellingtonians are known for their hospitality and will ensure our visitors have a fantastic time, both on and off the field. It’s going to be a great week.”
Golden Oldies Rugby is played by rugby players 35 years and older. Its overall aim is the celebration of friendship and an enjoyment of rugby, where the partying off the field is as much a part of the experience as the games themselves.
The Festival will have a rugby icon in the form of former All Black captain and current New Zealand Rugby Union vice president Andy Leslie, who is the official Festival Ambassador.
“It’s an honour to be involved in this year’s Golden Oldies World Rugby Festival,” says Andy Leslie. “It promises to be a week to remember, and I’m thrilled that it will take place in Wellington. What better place to give these overseas teams a taste of the New Zealand rugby experience but here, in one of the greatest little cities in the world.”
“This is a huge event for Wellington,” says Positively Wellington Tourism CEO Tim Cossar. “What a great opportunity to showcase Wellington to the world, and build upon our reputation as home of New Zealand rugby. Planning is well underway and the city is gearing up to welcome the players. Virtually every hotel bed in the region will be full, buses will be brought in from throughout the lower North Island, and Wellington will be bustling.”
Graham Muldoon
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