Otago Rugby Union eNewsletter

Editorial

Rugby Saturday's are back. With all senior rugby now under way, make sure you check out the draw by clicking HERE, then get out there and show your support! Metro Div 1, Central & Southern Prems full draw images below. Div 1 gals coming soon!

We are excited to announce that the Metro Rippa Day will be back for another year!! You'll want to put this into your calendars now, as you do not want to miss out on another epic day of rippa! More details below…

Dunedin's getting a Test Match and this presents an awesome opportunity for our 2025 Otago Rugby Season Members. 2025 members that purchase their membership prior to the Test Match going on sale, are also able to purchase Test tickets with their membership guaranteeing they won't miss out! Memberships are on sale now.

The 2025 NPC & FPC Draws are out! Scroll down to check out our Home Games, or check out the full Draws here… FULL NPC DRAW, FULL FPC DRAW.

New Referees.... WE NEEED YOU! We have a serious rugby referee shortage in Otago, and New Zealand. This is a rugby problem and we need more referees now more than ever. If you are passionate about rugby and want to BE IN THE GAME then please offer to pick up the whistle and help solve this shortage in our community. You don't need to have experience to start your refereeing journey, the friendly team at Otago Rugby Referees Association - Inc will give you all the support and training you need to succeed. If you want to register as a referee, assistant referee or referee coach click on this link HERE.

Calling all Junior Rugby Coaches!!! You'll want to make sure that you've attended the required Small Blacks course. Scroll down below to see Small Blacks course dates for your area or if you have questions reach out to michael.smith@orfu.co.nz.

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

ODT Interesting Reads!

We are seeking nominations for our two advisory groups for the 2025 season and beyond in both the Youth and Women’s Rugby space.

The key purpose of our two advisory groups is to provide insight and advice to support the progression of positive rugby for these two areas.

As a member of an Advisory, you will assist the ORFU to engage and grow the participation of teenagers and women/girls in the rugby community.

YOUTH ADVISORY

We are looking for two positions currently and you must be:

13-18 years of age
Attending or have attended high school
Have a passion for rugby, and ideally be involved in the game
Be available for meetings 4 times a year (online is an option)

WOMEN & GIRLS ADVISORY

There are two positions for this advisory currently

You must be over 18
Have an involvement in Women/Girls Rugby, either as a player, coach or parent/guardian of a female player.
Be available to meet 4 times a year (online is an option)

For more information or to nominate yourself or someone for these roles please email Warren Kearney warren.kearney@orfu.co.nz

Metro Rippa Rugby Day – Girls & Boys Give Rippa A Go Day!

When: Wednesday 20th August, 2025 (Postponement Date: Friday 22nd August)

Who: Year 3 – 8 Girls and Boys

Time: 9:00 am – 2:30 pm (subject to change based on registrations)

Venue: Logan Park Turf, Dunedin

Cost: FREE

Grades: We have 6 grades to enter your team/s into:

Year 3&4 Girls

Year 3&4 Boys

Year 5&6 Girls

Year 5&6 Boys

Year 7&8 Girls

Year 7&8 Boys

After the successful Spirit Sisters Rippa Rugby Day we have decided to keep the girl's ONLY grades with a focus to continue the growth of female participation in the Metro Rippa Rugby Day.

Registration:

Enter your team/s here: https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/349816 Registrations close at 5:00pm on Monday 11th August.