Otago Rugby Union eNewsletter

Editorial

Happy Friday Otago! Let's kick this newsletter off with a massive congratulations to back to back Country Wide Final Champions, Upper Clutha who sealed the win in a super tight win over Clutha, final score 39-38. Rest up lads and we'll see you again in 2026.

It's go time for our Otago NPC men. The opening round of the Bunnings NPC sends us to Invercargill to take on Southland. Captain Sam Gilbert will lead a side that includes five debutants in the matchday 23. Joseva Tamani and Charlie Powell will make their first appearances in the Otago jersey in the starting XV, while Bob Martin, Jae Broomfield and Sam Nemec-Vial are poised to debut off the bench. For Martin and Nemec-Vial, the match also marks their first-class rugby debuts — a significant milestone in their young careers. Add to that Harry Taylor earns his blazer as he runs out for his 15th match!!! Full details below.

Our Otago Spirit women have their final pre-season hit out this weekend against Canterbury at Geraldine Rugby Club, kick off 12.15pm. If you are in the area or up for a wee drive get on down to support the ladies before their first round at Home next weekend!!!

A massive shout out to June's Volunteer of the Month winner, Jason Clark from Cromwell Rugby Club!!! Thank you so much to all our incredible volunteers for constantly showing up for rugby and keeping our game alive!!! Read more about Jason below.

Last Chance…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 squad to face Southland in Round 1 of the 2025 Bunnings NPC has been named, with a blend of seasoned campaigners and fresh talent set to take the field at Rugby Park in Invercargill this Saturday.

Captain Sam Gilbert will lead a side that includes five debutants in the matchday 23. Joseva Tamani and Charlie Powell will make their first appearances in the Otago jersey in the starting XV, while Bob Martin, Jae Broomfield and Sam Nemec-Vial are poised to debut off the bench. For Martin and Nemec-Vial, the match also marks their first-class rugby debuts — a significant milestone in their young careers.

Another special moment comes for openside flanker Harry Taylor, who will earn his blazer as he runs out for his 15th match for the province. His consistency and work rate have made him a key figure in the Otago loose forward trio. The squad also welcomes back Charles Elton, returning to the Otago fold and bringing valuable experience to the forward pack. On the bench, the likes of Liam Coltman, Lucas Casey, and Benjamin Lopas offer a strong mix of experience and youthful energy.

Head Coach Mark Brown said the team is eager to get the season underway and is embracing the challenge of a southern derby first up.

“We’ve had a really focused pre-season, and the boys are ready to rip in. It’s always a special occasion playing Southland — it is a long-standing rivalry and is the perfect way to kick off the NPC campaign. We’re thrilled to see some new faces earn their place in the match day squad through their pre-season contributions, and Harry’s blazer game is a proud moment for him, his family and the team.

Players unavailable for selection due to injury:
Oliver Haig - foot injury, 2 - 3 weeks, Josh Whaanga - knee injury, 2 - 3 weeks, Finn Hurley - quadricep injury, 8 - 10 weeks, Rohan Wingham - Concussion, 1 - 2 Weeks

Coinciding with the opening round of the Bunnings NPC are the inaugural fixtures of the Tuppy Diack Shield, a new regional representative competition celebrating grassroots rugby and honouring a proud Otago rugby legacy.

This weekend will see Otago Metro South and Otago Metro North take on Southland Metro and Southland Country respectively, in Invercargill.

Several Otago NPC squad members have been selected to represent their Metro regions in this fixture: Josh Tengblad, Max Ratcliffe, Konrad Toleafoa, and Jake Te Hiwi (Metro South) and A-one Lolofie (Metro North).

Otago Spirit Coach, Matt Direen, has named his starting XV for the preseason game against Canterbury in Geraldine, at the Geraldine Rugby Club, on Saturday 2 August 2025, Kick off 12.15pm.

Direen is “looking to continue to build towards our first FPC game and will be trialling a couple of players in unfamiliar positions”.

The team is looking forward to a good hit out vs a quality opposition. If you are in the Geraldine area head on down to support the team!

The Farah Palmer Cup presented by Bunnings Warehouse kicks off on Saturday 9 August and the Otago Spirit will meet North Harbour in the first round on Sunday 10 August, 2.05pm at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

With thanks to supporting partner Prezzy Card - Our Winner for JUNE is Jason Clark- Cromwell Rugby Club

"Jason Clark 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."

Congratulations Jason you have scored yourself a $100 Prezzy Card!

All other nominees, Caleb Neilson, Marty McArthur and Jamie Mowatt have scored themselves a $50 Prezzy Card

Thank you to all our volunteers for the work that you do for our rugby community week-in, week out. We couldn't do it without you all!

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.