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The Bahrain Rugby Football Club’s veteran players are getting all geared up to go on a four-day tour to the Sir Lankan capital of Colombo on Friday ... with a mission to support young enthusiasts who also love the sport.
Known as the Golden Oldies, the squad is made of players aged over 35 but mostly in their 40s and 50s, or in other words, ‘people who should know better’.
A total touring party of 46, including 20 players and supporters - mostly long-suffering wives and friends - will be playing matches against Old Zahira and Puffins Sri Lankan teams. Senior referee and World Rugby referee / trainer, Dilroy Fernandes, will be officiating at one of the matches.
Jim Rowark, the staunch and highly-experienced Golden Oldie coach, has been conducting regular twice-weekly coaching sessions so players will be in peak physical shape and condition when the tour starts.
Golden Oldies Captain, Andy Walsh, said: “With more than 100,000 regular players, Sri Lanka is second only to Japan in embracing rugby in Asia.
“We have a number of regular Sri Lankan players in the Golden Oldies which prompted us to have a smaller exploratory tour to Colombo last year. All of us were so impressed by the enthusiasm, support and friendliness we were shown, that we resolved we would all return this year to do a bit of ‘giving back’ to those kids who just don’t have the income or funding to buy proper kit.”
With the help of Sri Lankans, Tuan Burah and Chanaka Ranaweera, both staunch Golden Oldies and previously old rivals from their schoolboy rugby days, S De S Jayasignhe College, a school on the outskirts of Colombo, has been selected to help.
It is a government school, with very little funding and support for extra-curricular activities. Presently playing in the B Division of the Schools Rugby League, most of the young players come from low income families.
Not only will the players be handing out sports kit, they are also delighted that Louie Tonkin, BRFC Director of Rugby and 1st Team Coach, has agreed to accompany the party to direct special coaching sessions for the school as well as Wesley School U16.
Tonkin will be accompanied by Jim and Senior Golden Oldie players to the sessions.
“We are delighted that our other and better halves are also accompanying us but we’re somewhat nervous about a planned gem talk and precious stone display!” added Walsh.
“Even though time is limited, we have also sponsored a lunch and clothing donation at a local orphanage through Tuan and his wife, Shabina.
“We would welcome any donations of rugby or football gear that is in good condition -particularly boots that are now not being used because kids have outgrown them or they are just no longer needed.”
Bug-hearted Sri Lankan Airlines has given the travelling squad a ‘good deal’ on the tickets and has also agreed to fly out the donated kits for free to Colombo. Lucy Electric has provided sponsorship of the players’ tour ensemble.
If you wish to donate clothes and equipment, leave the items at the rugby club’s reception in Janibiya where it will be sorted and packed ready for the trip.
For further information, call Andrew Walsh on 34015106 - email ajmwalsh@gmail.com, or Jonty Crosse on 39627026 - email jonty.crosse@gmail.com
