Otago Rugby Union eNewsletter

Editorial

Good Afternoon Otago supporters!!!

This weekend, it's the Metro Premier Women's Final and it's going to be played down South at Clutha Valley RFC in Clydevale. This will be an epic showdown that you do not want to miss! More on this below.

It's been a week of announcements with more NPC signings, All Blacks, Maori All Blacks and NZ U20's team naming's, and proudly, Otago Rugby has players across all of these teams. Scroll down for more details on these awesome accomplishments!

Speaking of announcements… keep an eye on our socials tomorrow! Otago Spirit Head Coach Scott Manson will be announcing our 2022 Squad following the Women's Premier Club Final.

With club rugby well and truly underway we hope you've managed to get out on the sidelines to support your teams, if not, check out this weekend's draw here and head on down to cheer them on!

2022 Bunnings NPC Otago Season Memberships are on sale now click here to lock your membership in!

Scroll down for more rugby news and announcements like, Match Day Programmes, development opportunities, weekly happenings, rugby courses and more…

ODT Interesting Reads

We are super excited to be gearing up for the 2022 rugby season and have created a little tool box to help get you started. Check out our links below for all things Community Rugby!

TOOLS FOR YOUR 2022 RUGBY SEASON

Want to see the latest Community Rugby Updates
Or looking for those Forms and Documents
Check out all you need to know for Junior Rugby
What about brushing up on Laws & Education
And to find your nearest club and contacts head to our Club Directory

CLICK HERE

Otago Rugby Football Union is excited to announce Henry Bell (2-years), Josh Hill (2-years), Ricky Jackson (1-year) and Josh Timu (2-years) have signed to play for the Otago Team in the Bunnings NPC.

We welcome all four players back from last season. Three of the four have been playing Super Rugby this year. Jackson has appeared for the Crusaders, Timu has been playing for the Highlanders and Hill has been playing over the ditch for the Melbourne Rebels. Bell has been playing solid premier club rugby for Kaikorai RFC while also being named as captain for the side in 2022.

Timu had a knee injury early on in his Super Rugby season but has made it back onto the field in recent weeks which is promising looking ahead to the Bunnings NPC.

All players have graduated from Junior, Secondary and Club rugby within Otago and have remained loyal to the blue and gold. Their current affiliations to local clubs are: Bell – Kaikorai, Hill – Taieri RFC, Jackson – Otago University RFC and Timu – Otago University RFC.

Otago NPC Head Coach Tom Donnelly said: “We are pretty stoked to have these four men back on board with us again this season. It makes the deal even better knowing that they are all local players who have progressed through the system to get to where they are today. They are Otago through and through, and each one of them is from a different part of the province. Bell, East Otago, Timu from Central, Hill from South and Jackson from Metro. These guys set a good example for developing players that hard work and dedication from a young age can lead to exciting opportunities.”

This weekend, it is the Metro Premier Women's Final and it's going to be played down South at Clutha Valley RFC in Clydevale. This will be an epic showdown that you do not want to miss!

Dunedin Wahine are new to the Women's Premier competition this year and have really made their mark by proving themselves grand final worthy. It is even more exciting for the Big River Country team to be able to host a home final, and there is no doubt that this event will draw a large crowd of supporters.

Big River Country vs Dunedin Wahine

Saturday 18 June

1:00pm

Clutha Valley RFC - Clydevale

The Women's Development Final is also happening this weekend!

Central Otago Women vs Alhambra-Union Fillies

Saturday 18 June

12:45pm

Cromwell RFC

This week’s referee profile of the week is, Rodger Hewitt.

Rodger has been a Referee for over 14 years and is an integral member of the ORRA executive group. Rodger also makes his long awaited Premier debut this round!

How long did you play for?

I played right up to the end of U15 when playing for Taieri College

What made you come to refereeing?

I got sick of playing and I was always chipping at the referee. So I thought I can give the chat and I need to be on the other side to see what is was like. And then the You Make the Call Course came along!

What have you enjoyed the most about refereeing?

The people! The yarns you have with both other players, coaches, and referees! It shows that we just love the game!

What's your greatest refereeing moment to date?

I’ve got a couple. Heading off to South Island U18 tournament was pretty awesome and the Premier Colts Semi Finals I’ve done! (My Prem Debut tomorrow??)

What do you want to get out of refereeing for the future?

This has changed over the years from wanting to become pro to now wanting to impart my knowledge and experiences on to the referees coming through to prepare them to step up!

What would be your advice to someone who's thinking of taking up the whistle?

Just get amongst! There is a great bunch of people with the association that will be able to help you along the way to try and reach the goals you set yourself! You just never know!

Thanks Rodger for helping our game!

OUR Game, OUR Referees.

The Otago Rugby High Performance programmes are an exciting opportunity for local and domestic talented young rugby athletes to discover a pathway in the game while upskilling themselves on all aspects off and on the field. The programme supports all accepted athletes whether they are studying or in the work force and also offers multiple avenues of support while these athletes take in the demands of possible professional rugby.

The benefits we have at Otago Rugby is the support of Otago University and Otago Polytech with wide range of educational opportunities within a stone's throw of the academy which is based at Forsyth Barr Stadium. The facilities and services that are available are a High-Performance gym facility, access to Bunnings NPC & Farah Palmer Cup coaches & staff, medical personnel, Sportscode video review facilities and also the pathway opportunity with the Highlanders.

While at the academy all athletes will be guided on their personal development through the six pillars of NZ Rugby; technical, tactical, physical, nutrition, mental skills, personal life skills, and will be assisted by multiple qualified staff within Otago Rugby.

In 2023, Otago High Performance department wishes to guarantee a place for a male and female player in the Men's Academy & Women's HP Groups respectively for country based players. Please note these players must be Year 13 to apply for a 2023 place.

All enquiries to Otago High Performance Development Manager:

Ryan Bambry - ryan.bambry@orfu.co.nz

Application form link: https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/199074

Otago Rugby Premier Competition Applicable Law Changes for 2022 (WRLV/EDSLVs)

As previously advised last year, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) is enhancing the safety and appeal of the sport in 2022, with an expansive range of Experimental Domestic Safety Law Variations (EDSLVs) being rolled out in school and club rugby next season.

The changes, which were approved by the NZR Board in late August, were developed following a series of trials and workshops in 2021, and are part of NZR’s ongoing commitment to improving participant’s experiences, safety, and the appeal of the game.

Click here and scroll down to see the Otago Rugby Premier Competition Applicable Law Changes for 2022 (WRLV/EDSLVs) that will be used in Metro, Southern and Central Premier Competitions from 1 January 2022.