Otago Rugby Union eNewsletter

Editorial

The Ranfurly Shield ain't going nowhere!!! A massive congratulations to our lads retaining the Shield against a solid Harbour side with nothing to lose! We have to extend so much gratitude to the community for showing up last weekend to show support for a team that has consistently left everything on the paddock all season. Our men are off to Auckland this weekend for round 10 of the Bunnings NPC. Check out the full team list with some fresh faces below.

As a result of the lads efforts we will be holding a home Quarter Final match with dates, times and opponents to be confirmed after this weekend's fixtures. So keep an eye on our social media for updates and be sure to buy your tickets to help cheer the lads all the way to the Final!

Well done to our Otago Spirit players Hannah Lithgow, Sarah Jones, Abigail Paton, Charlotte Va’afusuaga, Naomi Sopoaga and Pip Eason who have been named in the New Zealand under-20 squad. They will attend a women’s rugby development camp in Wellington from October 17-21

The Dunedin Craft Beer and Food festival is gearing up for their biggest year yet, with over 150 beers, 75 vendors and live entertainment headlined by Gin Wigmore plus Tiki Taane, Bootleg Rascal and more! We’re giving you a chance to experience the best weekend of the year, simply buy tickets to Otago's Quarter Final game when they go on sale next week you go in the draw to win 2 x Beerfest tickets!

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!

Otago Head Coach Mark Brown has named his side to play Auckland in the tenth round of the Bunnings Warehouse NPC this Saturday 4 October, 2:05pm, at Auckland Grammar School, Auckland.

Otago will play for the Lin Colling Cup this week and the game will see Otago debuts for A-One Lolofie, Josh Tengblad and Riley Lucas, who will bring some fresh energy to the team as they hit the road to Auckland.

Sam Gilbert will captain the team, with Christian Lio-Willie as vice-captain.

The game will be shown live on Sky Sport NZ.

2025 MANAGEMENT STAFF:

Head Coach: Mark Brown

Assistant Coaches: Ryan Bambry, Will Henry, Lee Allan, Mitch Scott

S & C Coach: Ben Shepard

Physio: Alex Gough

Manager: Simon Wallace

Assistant Manager: Grant Pellowe

Doctor: Andrew Haren

Performance Nutritionist: Georgia Mitchell

Personal Development Manager: Amanda Slade

Performance Analyst: Spencer Byers