ST. GEORGE, UT – International competition, Huntsman World Senior Games, have confirmed that rugby will be added to the 2021 tournament, taking place in St. George, Utah this coming October. Originating in 1987, the Huntsman World Senior Games features 36 total sports open to athletes 50 years and older. Rugby will compete in the XVs discipline within the men's division. Tournament organizers are looking to include a women's bracket in year two following campaigns for teams in the age 50+ category. Tournament play will kick off October 7-9, where team registration is now open.
The Huntsman World Senior Games were founded in 1987 with a handful of sports and a few hundred athletes. From those humble beginnings, the Games have grown to become the largest annual multi-sport event in the world for athletes age 50 and better.
World Senior Games CEO, Kyle Case noted, “The Games staff is continually searching for opportunities to help people age actively, enjoy life more fully and to fulfil the Games mission of fostering worldwide peace, health and friendship. In our view, competition meets all those requirements.”
“Over the years we have added many different sports to our lineup. Several months ago, when Jeff Owens approached us about adding rugby to the list, we implemented our 5-stage process of evaluating its potential.”
The 5-Stage evaluation of rugby’s addition yielded the following results as noted by Case;
- Is there an individual or team willing to manage and direct the tournament?
“We are excited to work with the team of Jeffrey Owens, Ray Green, Joel Venables and Patrick Whalen, all well connected in the rugby community as well as the team at USA Rugby to promote and manage what we anticipate will be a highly successful inaugural year as well as bright future for the sport.”
- Is there a venue?
“Southern Utah and the St. George area in particular has become something of a rugby mecca over the years. Consequently, with our municipal, county and school district venue partners, we’re confident that we will be able to provide safe, attractive and accessible venues.”
- Is there a market? Are there people who want to compete?
“Our research indicates that while the 50 and over crowd is smaller due to the physical aspects of rugby, there is still a significant group of people who want to get on the pitch and challenge themselves in a sport they love and are passionate about.”
- Will participants be willing to travel to play?
“Again, our research indicates that not only are people willing to travel to play, but travel seems to be deeply ingrained in the culture of rugby. Friendship and camaraderie are vital elements of the Huntsman World Senior Games and these attributes thrive in the rugby community. Traveling across the country or even around the world is a way to meet new people, forging new and lifelong relationships is a tradition that seems to be embraced in the sport.”
- Is there an international appeal? Is this a sport that is played internationally?
“A resounding yes. While rugby continues to grow in popularity in the Unites States, the sport already has a deep and lasting foundation, tradition, fan base and participation base around the world. We look forward to welcoming teams and players from all corners of the globe to the Greater Zion area and the Huntsman World Senior Games”
Following evaluation, rugby was then included into the competition schedule for the first time in the Games history.
Team registration is now open for interested clubs. Registering a team is required to reserve your team’s spot in the tournament. Once a team manger completes the team registration, they will be given a team number that they must share with their athletes. Athletes will use this team number to register as a participant in the Games.
From March 1 through September 1, athletes, including team members, will complete their athlete registration. The Huntsman World Senior Games is an open event and does not require a qualifier to compete. The only requirement is that athletes turn 50 years or older by at December 31 of the calendar year and register with USA Rugby for the 2020-21 season.
Case concluded, “In the inaugural year, the most important thing that athletes and supporters of rugby can do is register themselves and help us spread the word to their own circle of influence.”
Registration is completed online at www.seniorgames.net. There you will find rules, schedules and additional information about the Huntsman World Senior Games as well as active aging.
