The Tamworth oztagger was part of a strong North West contingent representing their country and culture, and coached the Australian men's over-50 team to silver.

Facing the New Zealand Barbarians in the final, the Aussies were outclassed with the home side running out 4-2 victors.

"They were probably just a bit too good for us," Noldt conceded.

He said they were never really in the game, and remarked that the better they seemed to play the more the Kiwis stepped up.

In saying that the scoreline in the final was closer than in their pool game, which finished 6-2 in the Barbarians' favour.

They were though the only side to beat them.

"We only got together the day before," Noldt lamented.

"Had we had a bit more time together, they were definitely beatable."

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The side was comprised of players from the length and breadth of the country - from Western Australia all the way to the Northern Territory and Queensland, and included Tamworth's Harry Cutmore and Chris Hunt, and Gunnedah's Darren Barton.

The latter was their top tryscorer with eight tries in six games.

"To go overseas and play was good," Noldt said.

"The guys were fantastic, the mob I took over."

The three-day tournament brought together teams from countries including Italy, Hong Kong, Japan and Spain and was a successful one for the Aussie sides.

"We sent over 12 teams and brought back eight medals," he said.

One of the best performers was the senior women's, the side featuring Werris Creek women's rugby league nines captain Anna Smith, winning gold.

Outside of his sides' performance for Noldt one of the highlights was watching some of the younger players running around, and seeing the emergence of countries "that you wouldn't expect to be playing tag" such as Japan, Hong Kong and Tahiti.

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