Rugby: Kamo rekindle golden oldies' passion

Word of Kamo's hospitality has spread to North Harbour and Auckland golden oldies clubs, meaning this year's edition of the Wild Magpie Golden Oldies Tournament had reached capacity.

Kicking off tomorrow at 12pm in Kamo, 15 clubs - nine from Northland - will take to the field for the love of the sport.

Tournament spokesperson Tristan Tuckey said the event, which is into its third year, has proved a success in re-igniting golden oldies rugby in Northland.

"You've got old guys that are around the club that you've only ever had a beer with, and next minute you're running around the paddock with them," he explained of the tournament.

"Well, 'running' might be a stretch of the imagination," Tuckey said.

"We're not going out there to relive former glories it's very much social. It has re-engaged a whole bunch of people in having a run around with old mates and teammates they've played with or against. It's kind of like a reunion."

Tomorrow's action will be played under golden oldies rules, enabling players to get involved and play a few games without facing the physical consequences of full-on rugby.

Tuckey admitted most golden oldies players were not keen to continue dealing with bumps and bruises from sport, adding that was why golden oldies rugby was generally played in a tournament format rather than weekly games.

He said he was happy to hear that travelling clubs enjoyed the hospitality put on, saying it helped having a bunch of club members who enjoyed hunting, diving, and fishing to help put on the free feed.

"[Auckland and North Harbour clubs] come up and can't believe what's on offer," he said.

"We try and be good and generous hosts but it kind of gets more and more popular each year."

Tuckey invited Northlanders to get along and support the teams involved, saying "people are more than welcome to come along and have a giggle at old men trying to run, catch and pass".

Play is scheduled to run from 12pm-4pm before an after-match function in the Kamo club rooms.

*The Manaia Misfits golden oldies rugby team have safely arrived in Argentina - travelling over on the same flight All Black Aaron Cruden missed at the weekend.

Through their "Manaia Misfits Golden Oldies 2014 Argentina Tour" Facebook page, the team said they were safe after reports that some of their competitors had been holed up in their hotels due to locals rioting in Mar del Plata.

Other than the need for a police presence, the Misfits reported they had enjoyed their first day at the tournament yesterday - opening their account against a hard-hitting Argentinian team.