Sydney welcomes our 18th Golden Oldies World Rugby Festival
The 18th Air New Zealand Golden Oldies World Rugby Festival stopped the traffic when it got underway in Sydney on the opening day of the Festival.
The central city roads were closed for the Festival as the 170 teams from 15 nations grouped in front of the Sydney Town Hall 27 years after the city first hosted the Festival back in 1983. Click on the images below to view a slideshow of full sized photos.
In between Mexican waves up and down George Street by the players the Deputy Lord Mayor of Sydney Marcello Hoff said 'Take a moment to think about our shared history, it seems fitting that.
10 years after the 2000 Olympics, we are welcoming back some fine sportsmen to Sydney.
'I can guarantee they haven't been this happy in Sydney since we hosted the World Rugby Cup in 2003. We are absolutely delighted to welcome you all'.
Former Randwick club player and State Minister, Michael Daley was delighted to welcome Golden Oldies to the region.
'No matter what level you play... you are part of the international rugby family. That's what we have here,' the Minister said.
'Rugby is one of the true world sports and therefore it is only fitting you should be here in Sydney, which is Australian's only truly global city.
'On top of that Sydney is world class rugby heartland. It's been 27 years since Sydney hosted your wonderful festival, so please don't leave it so long to come back here and visit us again.
'Golden Oldies rugby ensures there's no such thing as a rugby career on the wane. Rugby clubhouses all the world are homes to perennial discussions about the careers that rugby players had - and to make sure they are enhanced. We are all faster than we ever were, our tackle counts and our lineout jumps are greater now than they ever were; we are tougher, stronger and more ferocious now than ever. And that's the way it should be'.
Following the Official Opening the Parade of Nations proceeded down through China Town to an amazing Welcome Party staged in Darling Harbour. Click on the images below to view a slideshow of full sized photos.
Three games days followed at Centennial Parklands where 25 fields had been specially prepared for this Festival including an Expo site and massive entertainment and food & beverage marquee able to hold up to 5,000. Click on the images below to view a slideshow of full sized photos.
View a video review of the first few days of the Festival
The Festival week concluded with a unique Grand Final Dinner & Air NZ Awards function where Head Pilot Capt David Morgan and General Manager Direct Sales, Leeanne Langridge presented the Air NZ Awards. Click on the images below to view a slideshow of full sized photos.
Martin Sneddon CEO Rugby World Cup 2011 presented an address on next years event in New Zealand and All Black Captain Richie McCaw congratulated all the Festival participants. The Awards ceremony was followed by a night of amazing entertainment and celebration! Click on the images below to view a slideshow of full sized photos.
