The Priest Valley Vicars Rugby Football Club celebrated a large milestone for three of their athletes at the Parkinson Recreation Centre on Saturday afternoon.
Titled an "Old Boys" rugby team, the Vicars welcomes athletes aged 38 years and older to let their love of the game live on throughout their life.
Though stationed in Kelowna, the Vicars welcome athletes from across the Okanagan and even as far as Merritt to join in on the action, playing against teams from not only across the province but around the Pacific Northwest.
You may be wondering why someone over the age of 50 would want to carry on playing an aggressive sport, but according to veteran, Rocky Rochfort, “It’s just in your blood.”
“You have to love the sport, and if you do, you’ll be playing till the day you die,” added Rochfort. Although traditionally Rugby is known for its brutality and fast pace, the team modifies tackling rules based on each age group, from full body to two-hand touch — ensuring all players can have fun while staying safe and healthy.
Rotchfort along with his teammate, Kasper Walraven, celebrated a level up in their senior rugby career by trading in their red shorts for a pair of beaming gold ones. Signifying that the two will now be taking to the pitched as part of the seasoned 70+ age category.
Being honoured alongside Walkraven and Rotchfort, old boy Buck Klassen received his red shorts prior to the teams match against Ebb Tide Rugby Club of Victoria.
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