Vintage rugby in NZ in 2008

The Vintage international rugby carnival will be staged in Christchurch in 2008.

It will be the third carnival after Ireland in 2004 and Argentina later this month.

Paul Gleeson, a carnival coordinator from Vintage Sports and Leisure said entries were expected from rugby countries such as the United States United Kingdon, Europe, South Africa, Australia, Asia and New Zealand for the September 14-20 carnival.

"The number of visiting teams will be restricted to 80 and matches will be played on 15 fields at three host clubs -- Marist Albion RFC, Burnside RFC, and Merivale and Lincoln University RFC," Gleeson said.

Vintage Rugby is a rapidly growing international movement for men over 35 years.

Argentina has 51 teams and over 1200 visitors from 12 countries.

- NZPA