The modern "Golden Oldies" rugby movement first began in the late 1970s when Tom Johnson, one of the New Zealand's foremost loose forwards of the '60 was visiting Canada. He saw how people in Canada and North America were becoming attuned to remaining in their chosen sport through the masters' and veterans' movements. Why, he asked, couldn't that happen in his own game, Rugby Union?
There was no reason at all. Simply, no-one had given it too much thought. But he did, and soon he sold the concept to his country's national airline, Air New Zealand. And so was born the first international Golden Oldies Rugby Festival in the winter of 1979 in Auckland, New Zealand. It began with a modest number of 15 teams - 13 from New Zealand and two made up of players from Canada and the USA who made the tour of "down under" in the shape of the "Bald Eagles".
For those rather small beginnings has developed a sports movement of unprecedented enthusiasm which attracts at least 5000 players and supporters in a biennial pilgrimage.
From the outset, Golden Oldies Rugby has been supported and underwritten by Air New Zealand. The airlines has also expanded the concept to launch and develop Golden Oldies Cricket, Hockey, Netball, and Soccer.
However, the airlines has always recognized the importance of the sport itself and in May, 1980 a meeting in Auckland set up the International Golden Oldies Rugby Festival Association. The executive was predominantly made up of former representative rugby players - Malcolm Dick (All Blacks wing), Tom Johnson (a member of the New Zealand Rugby Union Council and the person in responsible for proposing the first festival to Air New Zealand). Bryan Craies, Barry Herring, and Donn Webb, Paul Gleeson, now Golden Oldies Executive Director was elected as the first Chairman.
The objects of the association were straight forward - to foster and encourage Golden Oldies Rugby worldwide and to organize a biennial international festival. This, it and its successors have managed to do with stunning results.
A year latter, the second international festival was staged at Long Beach, California. This time there were 46 teams from 11 nations and the good ship "Queen Mary" served as the Festival headquarters and lodging for many of the 1200 players, wives and families who attended.
Two years later in July 1983 a staggering 118 teams and 3700 people representing 8 countires made the third Golden Oldies Festival in Sydney an occasion to remember. John Howard, treasurer of the Australian Rugby Union, was the Festival Director who undertook the planning role of this event.
The 1985 Festival in London attracted 148 teams from 22 countries. 4500 players and supporters attended the spectacular opening ceremony at Twickenham. The Festival Director was Tony Carter.
1987 the fifth Festival returned to Auckland. Over 3400 players and supporters were present at games played on grounds to the west of the city. The Festival Chairman was Craig Ganley.
The 1989 Festival in Toronto was held in the brilliant sunshine of a Canadian summer. Ken Smith presided over an organizing committee which welcomed 4250 supporters and players from 15 countries.
A record 169 teams comprising nearly 5000 participants attended the 1991 Festival in Perth, Western Australia. The festival Chairman was Peter Bailey.
The 1993 Festival in Dublin was attended by 150 teams from 27 countries and included over 4800 participants. The festival Chairman was Bryan O'Neill.
The 1995 Festival in Christchurch, New Zealand attracted 202 teams from 25 countries and included a record 5855 participants. The Festival Chairman was Neil Blanchfield.
1997 Festival was staged in Vancouver, Canada and attracted 123 teams from 18 countries. The Festival Chairman was Dave Aitken.
The 1998 Festival is being staged in Cape Town, South Africa under the directorship of Mario Del Fante. Cape Town is expected to draw 130+ teams.
1999 sees the annual Golden Oldies World Rugby Festival back in the Southern Hemisphere. "Sensational Adelaide", Australia is the venue, the Festival Director is Hugh Klynsmit.