Barons of Rugby - Official Festival Charity
Giving Back to Rugby. Supporting Youth. Building the Future.
Barons of Rugby was founded in 2015 by longtime rugby supporter and Golden Oldies participant Steve Baron.
Steve was a passionate participant in Golden Oldies Rugby Festivals from the very beginning, embracing everything the Golden Oldies movement represents — friendship, camaraderie, international connections and, above all, a lifelong love of rugby.
His experiences through Golden Oldies reinforced his belief that rugby is about much more than what happens on the field. It creates friendships that last a lifetime, brings communities together and provides opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.
Steve believed that those of us fortunate enough to enjoy the game also have a responsibility to
give something back.
With that philosophy in mind, Steve established Barons of Rugby in 2015, with the goal of supporting young people and helping make rugby more accessible to the next generation.
Steve saw two important needs: helping young people discover and participate in the sport of rugby, and supporting families and young people in the community who needed a helping hand.
His vision was simple — grow rugby at the grassroots level while making the sport more accessible to youth, regardless of their circumstances.
That vision soon became a passion.
The Vancouver Rugby Sevens Connection
When international Rugby Sevens came to Vancouver in 2016, Steve saw an opportunity to combine his love of rugby with fundraising.
The tournament, held at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, quickly became one of the highlights of the international rugby calendar and a gathering place for rugby supporters from across Canada and around the world.
Steve purchased an entire section of approximately 900 tickets, initially much to the disbelief of his family, and organised an after-party at Moose’s Down Under featuring raffles and silent auctions.
The result was a tremendous success — and, more importantly, it created a new way for Steve to give back to the rugby community.
As the HSBC Rugby Sevens continued to make Vancouver a regular stop on the international rugby calendar, Steve and fellow rugby alumni continued the tradition. Rugby clubs and groups from across British Columbia and Alberta purchased tournament tickets through Steve and Barons of Rugby, knowing that their support was helping put money back into rugby and youth programs.
Continuing Steve’s Vision
In 2024, following a tour to Japan with the Cascadia Masters Rugby Union, Steve was diagnosed with aggressive cancer.
Knowing that his time was limited, one of his first thoughts after his family was Barons of Rugby and the work he had started.
Steve asked his son Sean Baron and fellow Twilighters teammate Al Pruden to help carry his vision forward.
For the 2025 Vancouver Sevens, Al took over the ticket program with the support of Rugby Canada. More than 600 seats were sold, with a portion of the proceeds returning to Barons of Rugby.
The program has continued to grow, with rugby clubs and supporters recognizing that they can enjoy a world-class rugby event while simultaneously helping support the next generation of players.
More Than $100,000 Given Back
What began with Steve’s vision has grown into a significant contribution to rugby and the broader community.
To date, Barons of Rugby has donated more than $100,000 to support youth rugby programs, tours, bursaries, equipment and other opportunities that help young people participate in and develop through rugby.
Every dollar raised represents an opportunity for another young player to experience the sport that has meant so much to all of us.
Looking Ahead
Barons of Rugby remains committed to Steve’s original vision:
Supporting youth rugby programs
Helping make rugby more accessible to young people
Providing financial assistance for rugby tours, equipment, programs and opportunities
Supporting young players and families who may otherwise struggle to participate
Giving back to the broader community through rugby
With the continued growth of rugby in British Columbia — and the excitement surrounding the 2027 Rugby World Cup — there are tremendous opportunities ahead.
But the goal remains the same: give young people the opportunity to discover rugby, develop through the sport and experience the friendships and lifelong connections that rugby creates.
A Special Thank You to Golden Oldies
Barons of Rugby is particularly grateful to the Golden Oldies Rugby Festival for helping us continue Steve’s vision.
Golden Oldies represents everything that made Steve love rugby — friendship, camaraderie, international connections and a shared love of the game.
By supporting Barons of Rugby, Golden Oldies participants can help ensure that the next generation gets the same opportunity to discover the sport that brought Steve, and so many of us, together.
Play the game. Share the friendship. Give something back.
Support Youth Rugby
Your donation to Barons of Rugby helps provide young people with opportunities to participate, develop and succeed in rugby.
Help us carry Steve Baron’s vision forward — and help build the future of rugby in British Columbia.
Make a Contribution
Should you wish to contribute during the Festival representatives of the Barons of Rugby will be at the playing fields and will be very grateful for any contribution you would like to make.
GO Sports Worldwide Festivals, owners of Golden Oldies Rugby, will present a donation at the Finale Dinner and Awards evening at the completion of the Festival.
Learn More
For more information about Barons of Rugby and its programs www.baronsofrugby.com
