THE GENTLEMEN OF NEW YORK - Abridged History

The creation of “The Gentlemen” ( G.O.N.Y.) was a logical step of the temporal progression of the playing life of C.A. (“Jacko”) Jackson. Following his creation of Les Vieux, ( Manhattan) and the globe-trotting Over Thirties (XXX), the GONY was created in 1980. The GONY, like the XXX, was an invitational club for anyone over age 40, with an intent to host and visit other like teams, and with an inexplicable “XC” on its letterhead and first batch of club ties.

Early games were played in Ireland ( Bohemians) and Canada ( Toronrto “XL”) but were quickly followed by hosting teams from Canada (Ottawa Senators), South Africa (Cape Town), Ireland and London. The coincidental launching of the World Golden Oldies Tournaments provided the perfect venues for major tours overseas. Thus the Gentlemen traveled to those tourneys at Long Beach in 1981, Sydney and New Zealand in 1985, and London in 1989. Several major on-field victories (never lost a game!) and off-field camradie at these events led to many follow-up visits from/to teams met at these events including Japan (Wak Waks) and the California Bald Eagles (decided by ‘Jacko’ to be the game for the American Championship).

The team went into a hiatus with the passing of Jacko but the name was revived in 2005 to encourage “over-age” rugby in New York. The re-founding of the Gentlemen of New York was established by David Martin, a Manhattan player, past president, and then chief administrator of Les Vieux. Combining with first the New York Old Boys, the Gents concept was put in place. Players from Monmouth RFC and NYAC joined in along with other "orphaned" old boys. The club got off to a rocky start but continues to field a team and along the way old veterans have come back into the fold.

Today, the Gents play a short fall and spring season. We typically kick off each season with a round-robin pitting all the area old boys sides against each other. We have a great inter-state rivalry with the Connecticut Grays. The Old Poltroons of Vail, Boston, and Washington have made the trip to New York their rite of spring and the Gents continue to provide a rugby outlet for a group of hearty lads who want to keep lacing up their boots on a beautiful spring or fall day.