The biennial Air New Zealand Golden Oldies World Rugby Festival has descend upon Edinburgh ringing with it a party atmosphere and hundreds of friendships which have been built across the world. The tournament is being held for the first time in Scotland, with the country set to welcome up to 121 teams from across 18 countries.The biennial Air New Zealand Golden Oldies World Rugby Festival has descend upon Edinburgh ringing with it a party atmosphere and hundreds of friendships which have been built across the world. The tournament is being held for the first time in Scotland, with the country set to welcome up to 121 teams from across 18 countries. The Golden Oldies World Rugby Festival has been developed especially for players aged 35 years and over, with the focus on participation rather than winning, each festival aims to ensure maximum enjoyment and new experiences for all involved. The philosophy is all about Fun, Friendship and Fraternity which is central to the sport and to the participants. Previously, only one Scottish side has ever been represented at the World Festival – the Aberdeen Strollers – but on this occasion, on home turf, up to 20 teams from across the length and breadth of Scotland are set to take part. Scottish sides have even managed to conjure up some of the more entertaining names, with the likes of the Forth Valley Fossils RFC, Puffin Gannets, Orkney and Shetland Stoorworms and Kirkcaldy Zingari all set to brighten up the biggest Festival of Rugby ever witnessed in Scotland. The Festival’s Ambassador and Scottish Rugby Legend, Gavin Hastings, is looking forward to the week-long Festival: The Golden Oldies Festival is all about Fun, Friendship and Fraternity. It provides great opportunity for rugby enthusiasts to keep up their levels of fitness whilst retaining existing and growing new friendships. The Golden Oldies World Rugby Festival celebrates its 30-year anniversary in Edinburgh, providing even more cause for celebration. I was in Wellington, New Zealand in October 2006 and witnessed Golden Oldies Rugby first hand – which was an amazing experience. I honestly believe our hosting of the event will be fantastic and I am excited to be involved and looking forward to having the opportunity to personally welcome teams, from across the world, to Edinburgh and Scotland. As well as the three days of matches (to be played on Tuesday 2nd, Thursday 4th and Saturday 6th September) there will also be a range of social activities throughout the course of the Festival which is set to give all those taking part the chance to see Scotland and Edinburgh at its best.