Otago Rugby Football Union Newsletter

Stay up to date with the latest news from the Otago Rugby Football Union....Club Rugby, upcoming events, courses, NPC & FPC Cup action - you will find it all here!

Don't forget to check www.orfu.co.nz for the latest news updates during the week and follow us on social media for breaking news, photos, videos and much more...

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Editorial

 

We would like to extend a huge congratulations to our Otago lads Dylan Pledger and Josh Tengblad who were selected into the NZ Under 20s Squad. Well done also goes out to Christian MacEwan and Kyan Rangitutia, for making the standby list! We're super proud, best of luck boys!

We love seeing the community out on the sidelines supporting our players! How's your team tracking? You can check out the draw & all results by clicking HERE. Metro Div 1, Central & Southern Prems full draw images below. Div 1 gals coming soon! 

All Blacks v France kicks off in Dunedin on 5 July and Otago Memberships get you access to the best seats in the house!!! 2025 Memberships are on sale now with the option to secure Premium or Category A seating that is no longer available online, up until 1 May. Secure your membership and Test ticket 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. 

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. 

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

ODT Interesting Reads!

Match of the Round

Stay up to date with team sheets, live scores & results across all grades around Otago HERE: bit.ly/rxgameinfo

New Zealand U20s Selection

The lads will be heading to South Africa with the team at the beginning of May for the Tri Nations, we look forward to seeing them represent Otago on the international stage!

Best of luck boys!

 Contact Ready

This week our Women & Girls Game Development Lead, Aria, has been running an epic Contact Ready trial with some amazing young rugby players in Ōtepoti!

A fantastic program to ensure our young wāhine are prepare for rugby physically and mentally! The program is developed with teenage girls FOR teenage girls!

For further information check out https://www.nzrugby.co.nz/get-involved/play/contact-ready!

Otago U19s Open Training Session

Otago Rugby will be holding an open training session for any players who are interested in representing the Otago U19's representative team this year.

This session will be held at Logan Park 6 between 5.00-6.30 pm on Wednesday 30th April. Boys can use the changing facilities under Hill City Athletics Club (next to Logan Park 6) to get changed and store their gear.

Please still register and come along if you are injured. If you cannot make the session for whatever reason or have any other queries, please email Isaac Smith at isaac.smith@orfu.co.nz

REGISTER HERE: https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/351274

Associate Referees Course - Queenstown

Contact Brandon Hale for more details brandon.hale@orfu.co.nz or just show up!

2025 Youth or Women's/Girls Advisory Groups

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

2025 Metro Rippa Rugby - Save the Date!!!

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.

2025 Men's Premier & Div1 Draws

2025 Otago NPC Schedule

Here are your Otago Bunnings Warehouse NPC Home & Away games for 2025!

For all things Bunnings NPC click HERE 

Season Memberships On Sale Now

2025 Otago Spirit Schedule

Here are your Otago Spirit Farah Palmer Cup Presented by Bunnings Warehouse Home & Away fixtures for 2025!

For all things Farah Palmer Cup click HERE

2025 Small Blacks Courses

Check out Small Blacks Course dates for your area below. When you register as a coach you can select which course date you wish to attend Click Here to register. 

 Law Updates - Community Rugby 2025!

Phone: +64 3 477 0928   Email: orfu@orfu.co.nz

Address: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Level 2A, 130 Anzac Ave, Dunedin 9016 Postal Address: PO Box 691, Dunedin 9054