Henry Trophy on line
Rugby teams from around the world will battle it for the inaugural Sir Graham Henry Trophy at next April’s Golden Oldies World Rugby Festival in Christchurch.
Event organiser Peter McDermott said the rugby festival will feature the inclusion of a presidents grade division for the first time.
It was appropriate one of New Zealand’s legendary rugby names will be on the trophy awarded to the winner of the new division, he said.
‘‘Rugby was the first ever Golden Oldies sport dating back to 1979 and we are excited to be able to now cater for players who want to add a competitive element on-field, while still enjoying the off-field social aspect which is what Golden Oldies sport is all about.
Henry said Golden Oldies rugby has a long tradition of bringing like-minded sports people together to share the sense of camaraderie with fellow rugby players from around the world.
The new Golden Oldies presidents grade will play under the full World Rugby laws and is expected to attract a new group of players. To date, more than 110 teams have entered from countries as far afield as Russia, Germany, Brazil, Argentina, England, Canada and the United States, along with teams from Australia, Japan, the Cook Islands and New Zealand.
The Golden Oldies World Rugby Festival will be played from April 22-29 at Hagley Park.