The VRQ Provides a platform for us as rugby players, to continue playing the game for the rest of our lives The Story of Veterans Rugby in Queensland.
Veterans Rugby Queensland started out as “Queensland Over 35’s Association” which was established in the 1980's as a not-for profit organisation, to administer “Golden Oldies” Rugby, as it was then known, in the Brisbane and outlying areas. They were responsible for the general day to day organisation of “Oldies” rugby, the rules that governed the game and the promotion of the “Game they play in H
eaven”. They identified that there were many players who had retired but still had a burning desire and passion to continue playing. The “QLD over 35’s” was transformed into the VRQ in the early 2000’s and currently continues to administrate over 35 rugby Queensland wide. We currently have 28 teams across Queensland with the hope of developing more interest as the word of Veterans rugby spreads. Rugby is enjoyed across the world but it does have its physical limitations. When a rugby player retires, it is mostly due to them not being able to compete at the same level as the younger, stronger and fitter players coming into the ranks. The Veterans Rugby Laws, loosely based on the WRB Under 19 Laws, were modified slightly to accommodate the veteran rugby player, providing a platform where they could continue to play the game for the rest of their lives. Most importantly, the Organisation operates under the “Internationally” recognised ethos of Fun, Friendship, and Fraternity. Not only do we participate in an organised manner on a weekly basis, but also at monthly festivals where clubs from all over Queensland come to play one another as well as socialise with likeminded individuals sharing the same passion for the game as themselves. The VRQ also embraces all the other more social aspects of the game, such as the post-game locker room banter and beers, the post-game barbeque, and other special events such as fund raising. The veteran’s games encourage socialisation, family values and an all-inclusive approach to playing rugby for the rest of our lives. The Veterans Rugby Clubs who form part of the VRQ are heavily involved in all aspects of junior, senior, and elite rugby. We give back to the game, as much as we can, to grow it across all ages and demographics. We also support our own especially through our commitment to the Beyond Blue values, helping our membership to identify and safely deal with Men’s Health issues such as depression, mental illness and the like. We love our Rugby, hence our motto #RugbyforLife.
