They older they get the better they were - thousands of golden oldie rugby players will turn back the clock when the 2023 World Rugby Festival hits Perth.

The festival, that has been secured for the first time in more than 30 years as part of WA’s events strategy to boost tourism and increase economic activity, will be held from March 19-26, 2023 at Langley Park.

It is expected to inject almost $6 million into the WA economy.

The festival is supported by the State Government through Tourism WA and is expected to attract about 2000 out-of-state visitors.

The Golden Oldies rugby festival was last held in Perth in 1991 and the Golden Oldies netball festival was staged in 2007.

No score is kept in Golden Oldies rugby and each game ends as a draw.

There is a coloured shorts system, denoting the ability and age of the players.

Red shorts mean the player can be claimed but not tackled, gold shorts mean the player cannot be tackled and those aged 70 – 79 wear purple shorts, which mean the cannot be tackled or touched.

Tourism minister Roger Cook, who may strap on the boots, said he was excited to be welcoming the festival back.

“Securing the Golden Oldies World Rugby Festival is an important part of Tourism WA’s work to build an exciting calendar of events for the coming years,” Cook said.

“Any returning players to the State are sure to notice how much more our city and State now offers visitors.

“With the potential to attract about 2,000 out-of-State visitors and inject about $5.7 million into the economy, there’s no question this event will be great for local businesses and the economy.”

Tickets to the festival will be sold as part of event packages that include accommodation, social events and day tours to help support local tourism operators and encourage visitors to extend their stay in WA, Cook said.