Rugby veterans set to roll back the years at Golden Oldies festival this weekend

There are sixteen teams, comprised of players over the age of 35, scheduled to participate across the day, most of whom were playing in the nineties and noughties.

In addition to the men’s competition, a Golden Angels event will take place for women’s teams in the over 35s category, alongside an exhibition match between the Caledonia Clan and Borders Clan, two inclusive rugby teams who support players with learning difficulties or disabilities.

The event will see awards presented to recognise the efforts of those participating including trophies for, the oldest player of the tournament, team of the tournament, best referee and best supported team.

In previous years, Alistair Urquhart of Brechin Ruby has been the oldest participant, running out at the tender age of 94-years-young.

Looking to ensure there is something for all ages, the event will include children’s highland games and a festival village with various stalls.

McKane Park will also be home to representatives from the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation to supporting fundraising for the charity, alongside the Doddie Weir Cup, which was recently won by Scotland in their Guinness Six Nations fixture against Wales.

Borders Clan v Crusaders in a previous inclusive exhibition match.

Looking ahead to the event, David McDonald, President of the Scottish Golden Oldies said: “We are delighted that the Golden Oldies event will be hosted in Scotland’s newest city, Dunfermline.

“This is a festival forged in fun, friendship and fraternity where everyone participating is a winner for participating. The Golden Angels and Clan exhibition game will be especially exciting, and we hope everyone will enjoy watching what they have to offer.

“There are teams and players coming from far and wind, including players from Zurich!”

Ryan Vidler, Tournament Director and member of Dunfermline RFC added: “Dunfermline RFC are both excited and honoured to be hosting this prestigious tournament at McKane Park. This is a great event for us to showcase the existing friendships we have within the local and national communities which allow old friends and new to create lasting memories over an action-packed weekend.

“We have been humbled by the support of local businesses who have kindly sponsored the event, we are truly grateful for your ongoing support in these challenging times.

“I’m both looking forward to playing myself, as well as seeing everyone else have a great time, especially our friends from the Caledonia and Hawick Clans.”

Director of TRI Scotland, Dave Cranston said: “We’re really looking forward to our exhibition match on Saturday. It will be a great way to showcase our player’s individual skills, the team’s collective abilities and demonstrate the values of rugby.

“We now have seven mixed ability teams in Scotland. It all started off playing on a Sunday afternoon with 10 people, and now we are seeing mixed ability games being played at 7s tournaments round the world, and included in International and professional fixed, with more trusts being set up around the world.

“Playing in front of a crowd at Dunfermline will be a fantastic experience for everyone involved.”

Find out more about the event via Facebook.