The Scrummary | Page 34

Gibraltar Veterans RFC - beginning to bubble nicely

As a famous old rugby player once said, only two things in life are certain: the referee and death.

Age inevitably takes its toll on the bodies of even the most hardened rugby players, but the passion and desire to play still lives on. Veterans rugby is a modified version of the game that provides an excuse to go out and get some fresh air before enjoying a quiet pint or two after a game.

Basic Rules

• Uncontested scrums

• Games should be 15-a-side

• Rolling substitutions

• Aggressive play is not encouraged

• Not to be taken too seriously

Primarily the veterans game is enjoyed by players who are older than 35. The Golden Oldies should be 50 and above. The game is played as the normal 15-a-side with a few changes to suit the ageing. Rolling substitutions (where players are allowed to go off and return later), shorter playing times and a frown on vigorous play put the emphasis on fun, friendship, fraternity and family.

The Gibraltar Veterans section of the GRFU began in 2012 with their first match a round robin with Malaga and a team from Stamford in the UK.

Since then they have played away in the hugely successful European Golden Oldies (EGOR) Tournament in Prague in 2013, at the 7th Juromenha Event in Portugal as well as hosted Stade Francais in Gibraltar.

For many though the highlight so far will be the game against the Marines veteran Invitational XV as part of the Royal marines 350th Anniversary celebrations.

Next year in 2015 the Veterans are looking forward to their 2nd EGOR Tournament which is being held in the northern Spanish City of San Sebastian. Teams from all over Europe have already signed up and the Veterans squad has begun it's preparations in readiness for the trip.

Veterans update

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