GREAT RECOGNITION FOR OLD RUGBY MOVEMENT
Portuguese Rugby Union (FPR) had recognised their Rugby veterans as the structural part of the F P R. National Veterans Commission of four members, led by Paulo Soares Oliveira and Paulo Picao, Miguel Jonet, Luis Taborda, is going to coordinate, regulate and take care about the development of Portuguese Veterans in the future.
The first Newsletter Portugal Rugby Veterans had been issued with the aims and the activities for 2013 [
Newsletter - pdf].
It was a long, long way to this very important and significant (for other European Rugby Unions too) recognition. It all started with Porto Old Greens (Joao Pinto de Sousa, Miguel Vareta, José Filipe Belo, Goncalo Borges and the others) taking part at the first ever European Festival in 1992 in Hertogenbosch (Netherlands) up to
the organisation (by the same Club) of the biggest ever European Veteran Rugby Festival in Funchal (Madeira) in 2008.
Dedication to the Veteran - Oldies rugby even increased in several last years, “culminating” with the organisation of the first E V R A European Festival in Cascais in 2011 (by Cascais Vintage Rugby), as well as with the continuous presence of Portuguese clubs in organising European Series – Veteran Tournaments under the Sponsorship of Licor Beirao – O Licor de Portugal, with great rugby supporter José Redondo.
The recognition by F P R should serve as the “indicator” for other European Rugby Unions – FIRA/AER members – to follow – Rugby veterans belong to the structure of each Rugby Union... they should “remain in Rugby” as members, supporters, officials, coaches, donators etc.
E V R A takes this opportunity to express great thanks for the wisdom of Federacáo Portuguesa de Rugby, the Veterans are (and will ever be...) the part of our Sport...
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