Potbellez Rugby
Potbellez Rugby
The Papamoa Potbellez play 15+ Golden Oldies rugby matches every year, with most games played on Sundays. Our home ground is Gordon Spratt Reserve in Papamoa, but we're just as happy hitting the road to take on teams across Tauranga, the Bay of Plenty and throughout New Zealand. We also love a good rugby tour—especially if it involves watching the All Blacks, catching up with old mates and creating stories that get better every time they're told. (Just don't lose the chicken like Bonka! - Song here!)
If you're 35 or older, you'll fit right in. It doesn't matter whether you played Premier rugby, social rugby or haven't pulled on a jersey for years—everyone is welcome. The only real requirements are that you enjoy a laugh (especially at yourself), appreciate a bit of quality banter, don't mind the occasional post-match beer, and want to be part of a team that's built on friendship, respect and making lifelong memories. Winning is nice... but the stories, the mates and the good times are what being a Potbelly is really all about.
FAQ's
Where Do The Potbellez Play?
The Home games are at Gordon Spratt Reserve in Papamoa. Away games can vary from Tauranga, Te Puna, Te Puke, Hamilton and further a field.
What Are The Costs To Play?
There is generally a game day fee and a membership fee. This covers the running costs of the team, beers for the opposition etc. On home games the team is asked to bring a plate along feed the opposition, WAGS & kids and ourselves! A travel fee for hiring the van will also be charged.
Who Can Play?
If you are over 35 years old you can play Golden Oldies Sport. No matter your abilities you are more than welcome. There are different coloured shorts for various age groups and disabilities or injuries. This makes it more fun for all to have a game.
Age-Based Colored Shorts
To protect more senior players, specific rules apply based on the color of shorts worn: []
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Standard/Club Shorts (Ages 35–59): Normal rules of tackling apply.
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Red Shorts (Ages 60–64): Players cannot be tackled to the ground.
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Gold Shorts (Ages 65–69): Players can only be touched/held (halted), at which point they must immediately pass the ball.
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Purple Shorts (Ages 70–84): Players cannot be tackled or impeded in any way.
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Special Shorts (Ages 85+): Maximum protection rules apply, allowing unrestricted movement without contact
What Are The Rules?
The basic rules are:
- No contesting the scrums (Golden Oldies Scrums)
- Max run is 20m then must pass the ball
- If agreed on by both teams you can kick out from the 22
- No kicking (except from 22 if agreed)
- Banter is required
- No blowing out of rucks