IT’S still the cricket season, but members of the Bathurst Old Bulls rugby union side are preparing to pull on the boots for a game in a couple of weeks’ time.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Old Bulls will start their season on Saturday, January 27 when they play a reunion game at Anne Ashwood Park as Bathurst welcomes past players from the Secret Squirrels and Harlequins rugby teams from the 1990s.
Old Bulls Rugby Club president Allan Spencer says the game will be part of the preparations for his side ahead of April’s Golden Oldies World Cup in Christchurch, New Zealand, which is expected to attract more than 6000 players.
The reunion weekend at Bathurst will be held over Friday, Saturday and Sunday, January 26 to 28, as former players return to the city to catch up, enjoy time together once again, talk about the old days and relive those golden tries.
And, of course, they’ll be hitting the paddock once again for the friendly game against the resident old boys team, the Bathurst Old Bulls.
“This will be our first game of the season. There will be a follow-up game with Orange Emus and then it will be off to the World Cup in Christchurch in April,” Spencer said.
“Bathurst has gone to all of the World Cups since it started in ’83. We’re one of the few sides that has done that.
“Bathurst is deemed NSW Country, along with Orange Emus when they arrive.”
And do the Old Bulls normally do much training before a World Cup?
“Drinking at the pub on the last Friday night of the month is about it and maybe a few days a week at boot camp,” Spencer said.
“It’s social first, then we play rugby. There are 23 playing members and over 100 social members in the team and we meet once a month for a training run.”
Although the event is dubbed as “Golden Oldies”, Spencer said he is keen to try to help change that perception so that anyone over the age of 35 is aware they can play in the system, which caters for players up to 60.
“Basically, it’s Golden Oldies Rugby and that’s what the managing body is called,” he said.
“People think Golden Oldies is for old bludgers, but there are guys who have finished grade who still want to have a run.
“To find out more, just give us a call on 0409 947 997.”
The reunion game at Anne Ashwood Park on Saturday, January 27 will kick off at 3pm. Gates will open at 2pm.