Otago Rugby Union eNewsletter

Editorial

IT'S FINALS FOOOOOOTY!!! Our top teams will battle it out this weekend for the 2025 Premier and Div 1 Titles. In the Southern Region, Clutha plays West Taieri, Upper Clutha takes on Wakatipu for Central and Kaikorai does battle with Harbour for Metro (If you can't make it tomorrow check out the livestream links below). For Div 3, Taieri hosts Kaikorai out at Peter Johnstone Park. It's gonna be a great weekend of rugby, so get out there this weekend and show your support for your team, your noise could be the difference!!! You can check out the Club Rugby draw & all results by clicking HERE.

This week we announced our 2025 NPC and FPC Squads, both with a mix of old and new faces. We are swiftly approaching round 1 of both Bunnings Comps and the lads have their preseason game against the Stags 3.05pm today at University Oval. The girls will have a game of 3 halves against Canterbury and Tasman in Christchurch next weekend!

In All Blacks news, Fabian Holland and George Bower are both named to take on France in the third and Final Test Match of the series this weekend. Meanwhile our U20's had an awesome win over France this week to take them to the Championship Final! Wishing our lad Dylan Pledger and the rest of the Baby Blacks an epic game against South Africa on Sunday!

Representative Rugby is just around the corner and we have open training sessions coming up for any boys or girls who would like to put their name forward for the 2025 Otago Metro or Country representative teams. Scroll down for more info.

2025 Season Memberships are on sale now. With 5 NPC Home games (including 2 Double Headers with Otago Spirit) get in behind Otago and secure your membership HERE

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!

The Otago Rugby Football Union is thrilled to announce the 2025 Otago Bunnings Warehouse National Provincial Championship squad, a team poised to bring excitement and passion to the upcoming season. With a blend of seasoned veterans and promising new talent, this year's squad is set to make a significant impact on the competition.

Head Coach Mark Brown expressed his confidence in the team's potential, highlighting the dedication and hard work that has gone into preparing for the season. "Our players have grown considerably over the past few seasons. During this time, they have played with toughness and resilience and we are now poised to add an edge to our game that will take us into the deep end of the season," he said.

Squad Highlights:

Squad features 26 players returning that played in 2024 Bunnings Warehouse NPC totalling 636 caps
A-One Lolofie (Zingari-Richmond), Bob Martin (Taieri), Max Ratcliffe (Dunedin) and Konrad Toleafoa (Southern) will look to earn their first appearance for Otago.
Fabian Holland, Christian Lio-Willie and George Bower are currently assembled with the All Blacks in the Lipovitan-D July Series.
Finn Hurley (quad, 10-12 weeks) Oliver Haig (ankle, 4-6 weeks) Jona Nareki (knee, 4-6 weeks) Josh Whaanga (knee, 6-8 weeks) and Jake Te Hiwi (Groin, 4-6 weeks) will continue to rehabilitate from their injuries and hope to represent the Blue and Gold upon full return to fitness.
Charlie Powell (Southland 2024 and Manly Marlins Shute Shield 2025) and Joseva Tamani (Fjii Drua) will provide cover and certainty alongside local Provincial Union Development players.
Development and injury replacement players have already spent time with the squad in week 1 of pre-season covering for injury replacement and All Blacks assembly. Many of these players will line up for Otago v Southland in the pre-season match this Friday 18th July, while some full-contracted players participate in the Metro Division 1 Men’s Final on Saturday 19th July.
19 players played Super Rugby in 2025
12 players went to High School in Otago Secondary Schools

The Bunnings Warehouse NPC kicks off from Thursday 31st July. The Otago team play their first game away against Southland on Saturday 2nd August at 4:35pm. To view the full 2025 NPC draw click here. All Bunnings Warehouse NPC games will once again be broadcast live and available on Sky Sport.

The Otago Rugby Football Union is proud to unveil the 2025 Otago Spirit squad for the Bunnings Warehouse Farah Palmer Cup—a team bursting with talent, determination, and fresh energy as they gear up for a milestone season.

With a strong mix of returning stars and emerging talent, the 2025 squad is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. As Otago Spirit celebrates 25 years of representing the region in women’s rugby, this year’s team is more focused than ever on pushing for promotion and a spot at the top of the competition.

Spirit Head Coach Matt Direen is “excited to be part of this squad both in terms of the players, coaching team and support staff all of which are outstanding individuals.”

He goes on to state “We have a great mix of experienced players and ambitious newcomers who are excellent ambassadors for their local clubs. The girls all play with big hearts and love representing their province and families proudly".

Squad Highlights

A number of standout players from last season’s finals-making team return to lead the charge, alongside Dallas McKnight, Claudia Broomfield, Sarah Jones, Honour Birks, Pip Eason, Zoe Elliot, Zaria Murray, Shakirah Stephens, Sasha Scott and Madison Flutey—all eyeing their FPC debuts in 2025.
The Spirit will be boosted later in the season by the likely return of Paige Church, Zoe Frood, and Te Atawhai Campbell—who are all recovering from injuries sustained during the Club Season.
Bella Rewiri-Wharerau will unfortunately miss the 2025 season due to injury. However, she remains an integral part of the squad, stepping into a new role as assistant Analyst.
Six players from the 2025 squad were part of the Matatū Super Rugby Aupiki environment, showcasing the depth and quality within the team. Additionally, Sheree Hume and Georgia Cormick gained valuable experience with the Western Force in Australia.
Maia Joseph is currently assembled with the Black Ferns.

This year marks a significant season for Otago Spirit. As the team reflects on 25 years of history, their eyes are firmly set on the future. With a balanced mix of leadership, skill, and fresh faces, they are poised for a strong and successful 2025 campaign.

The Bunnings Warehouse FPC kicks off from Saturday 9 August with the Otago Spirit playing their first game at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Sunday 10 August at 2:05pm, against North Harbour

Prezzy Card VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH - JUNE

Our next round of Volunteers is open for Voting! Head to the OTAGO COMMUNITY RUGBY Facebook page this to have your say!

Voting closes on Sunday 27 July 2025 at 5pm

Read why these great Volunteers have been selected this month!

Caleb Neilson – Otago Referees Association

"Caleb has served as Appointments Officer for the past two years, consistently dedicating his Sundays to the initial referee draw. Throughout the week, he coordinates changes—often managing 37 to 53 fixtures—ensuring maximum coverage despite frequent challenges right up until Saturdays. His role requires constant communication, creative problem-solving, and significant time and effort, often without recognition. Beyond this, Caleb mentors’ fellow referees, personally guiding a few who have shown great development under his support. He also continues to volunteer his time to improve his own refereeing, always striving to be the best official he can be. Dedicated people like Caleb don’t come around often, and it’s volunteers like him who ensure our competitions run smoothly and our referee community continues to grow stronger."

Marty McArthur – Taieri Rugby Football Club

"Marty lives and breathes TRFC. He has been involved in the club for a very long time and has filled many roles over that time. In his current role as club captain, he ensures player welfare, club culture and all the teams are running as well and as smoothly as possible. In his committee role he oversees a lot of the behind the scenes work that ensure we can continue to provide the players with the facilities and the tools to play the game we all love. The number of hours the Marty has committed to the club over the years would make your eyes water. Community sports can only operate with people like Marty. A true asset to the club".

Jamie Mowatt – Dunedin Rugby Club

"I’m nominating Jamie because even though he has been out injured for a fair chunk of the season, he’s always first one there and last to leave. Hand up not out personified."

Jason Clark – Cromwell Rugby Club

"Jason is the definition of grassroots rugby - committed, hands-on and driven to keep the game thriving.

This year, on top of his ongoing roles with the Cromwell Rugby Club and as Chair of the Central Council of Clubs, Jason was the driving force behind the launch of the Central Otago Spikers, a team created to keep Colts age players connected to rugby beyond school and bridging the gap between school and senior club rugby.

He also co coached the Central Otago Women’s team who went on to win the Division 2 banner this season! Jason’s leadership, dedication and love for the game continues to make a lasting impact across the Central Otago region."

In 2015 Otago Polytechnic, with the Otago Rugby Football Union, established the ORFU Scholarship to assist students with both sporting and academic aspirations

Two Scholarships are on offer for players wishing to study at the Otago Polytechnic in 2026. One male and one female will be chosen.

Applications for the 2026 Otago Rugby/Otago Polytechnic scholarship applications are now open!

The following conditions apply:

Two FULL fees scholarships for one year of full-time study will be awarded at the discretion of the Otago Rugby Football Union for study starting in the year 2026*.
This scholarship applies to Domestic students only.
Candidates for the scholarship must be nominated by the Otago Rugby Football Union.
Candidates must meet minimum entry requirements for their programme of choice.
The scholarship may be held concurrently with other awards/grants, subject to approval of Otago Polytechnic
Otago Polytechnic and the Otago Rugby Football Union has the power to terminate the scholarship if the recipient ceases to follow regulations of the programme of study and/or bring the reputation of the Otago Polytechnic or the Otago Rugby Football Union into disrepute.

APPLY HERE

* Please note...receiving a scholarship does not ensure inclusion into the Otago Women’s and Men’s Academy programmes for 2026.