Otago Rugby Union eNewsletter

Editorial

This week our biggest shout out goes to eight of our Otago Spirit women named in Super Aupiki Teams for 2026. For Matatu we have Eilis Doyle, Sarah Jones, Charlotte Va'afusuaga, Naomi Sopoaga and Maia Joseph. And for Hurricanes Poua, Greer Muir and Tegan Hollows. Congratulations ladies, so deserved!!!

Central Otago Rugby is set to celebrate a significant milestone in 2026, as the iconic White Horse Cup reaches 100 years of competition between the region’s clubs. First contested in 1926, the White Horse Cup is believed to be the second-oldest interclub rugby trophy in New Zealand. For a century, it has stood as a powerful symbol of the rivalries, pride and traditions that define country rugby across Central Otago. To mark the centenary, a special Super Round of rugby will be held in Queenstown tomorrow Saturday 11 April 2026, with all Central Otago Premier club matches taking place at the Queenstown Events Centre. Full article below.

A reminder that Small Blacks is compulsory for all coaches from U13 and below. Courses are taking place in Southern, Central & Metro over the next couple of weeks so be sure to register and get to a course near you. More details below.

These school holidays, Otago Community Rugby is running its first ever Holiday Skills Programme . This one-day session is for kids who want to learn new skills, have fun, and build confidence or just sharpen to up before the season starts. Dunedin is full up but there are still spots available for Balclutha!

The 2026 NPC Draw is out now! Scroll down to check out our Home Games, or check out the full Draws here… FULL NPC DRAW

Otago NPC Season Memberships for 2026 are on sale now. CLICK HERE to secure your membership today!

Club rugby is underway across the province. You can check out the full draw by clicking HERE, be sure to get out there and show your support!

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

Central Otago Rugby is set to celebrate a significant milestone in 2026, as the iconic White Horse Cup reaches 100 years of competition between the region’s clubs.

First contested in 1926, the White Horse Cup is believed to be the second-oldest interclub rugby trophy in New Zealand. For a century, it has stood as a powerful symbol of the rivalries, pride and traditions that define country rugby across Central Otago.

To mark the centenary, a special Super Round of rugby will be held in Queenstown on Saturday 11 April 2026, with all Central Otago Premier club matches taking place at the Queenstown Events Centre.

Hosting the round in one central location will provide a unique opportunity for players, supporters, and past club members from across the region to come together and celebrate the legacy of the White Horse Cup.

R&A Central Otago Mens Super Round

12:00pm: Wakatipu v Arrowtown – Battle of the Basin
12:45pm: Cromwell v Matakanui Combined
1:30pm: Alexandra v Invitational XV
2:45pm: Upper Clutha v Maniototo – White Horse Cup Challenge Match

The highlight of the day will be the White Horse Cup Challenge Match, with Upper Clutha defending the trophy against Maniototo in what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter between two proud Central Otago clubs.

Following the on-field action, celebrations will continue with the “Aftermatch of the Century” — a special centenary event bringing together past and present players, volunteers and supporters to share stories and honour the communities that have supported the competition for generations.

The centenary celebrations are proudly supported by Forsyth Barr, who have come on board as the Legacy Sponsor, helping to ensure this milestone is celebrated while also contributing to the future of rugby in the region.

As part of the centenary, the White Horse Cup Charitable Trust has also been established. Funds raised will support future initiatives aimed at strengthening community rugby in Central Otago, with the Trust working alongside clubs and stakeholders to identify opportunities across the region.

It was great to see the next generation getting stuck into rugby in Central Otago this past week.

Our Game Development team, Aria, Will and Moxy, have been out in schools delivering fun, engaging coaching sessions – including girls-only sessions focused on building confidence and learning some great contact-ready skills.

For the girls that are new to rugby, Aria ran the first Contact Ready session, while first XV players stepped up into specialised scrum sessions with guidance from Will Henry

Moxy was also on hand working with boys’ secondary school teams and delivering coaching courses for the people who are the driving forces behind our rugby teams.

There was an awesome energy from all involved, with plenty of smiles and skills on display.

We’d like to thank the schools for their warm welcome throughout the week. Metro school teams can look forward to similar visits following the holidays, as we continue to connect with and support rugby communities across the region.

With thanks to supporting partner Prezzy Card

Our Winner for MARCH is Mikaela Dawson- Southern RFC

Mikaela’s contribution to her team goes far beyond the typical expectations of a volunteer. Week after week, she gives her time, energy and heart to ensure everything runs seamlessly, often working tirelessly behind the scenes without seeking any recognition.

Her passion for rugby is evident in every aspect of her role – from coordinating logistics and communicating with players and coaches, to supporting the team on match days and keeping spirits high during challenging moments. She understands that a successful team is built not only on performance, but on strong organisation, encouragement and a sense of community – all of which she helps foster.

What truly sets Mikaela apart is the genuine care she shows for every player. She celebrates their successes, supports them through setbacks, and creates an environment where everyone feels valued and included. She doesn’t volunteer for praise – she does it for the love of the game and the people in it, making her incredibly deserving of this recognition.

Congratulations Mikaela, you have scored yourself a $100 Prezzy Card!

All other nominees, Hamish Sutherland, Andrew Clarkson and Tracey Reid 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

Keep your nominations coming in for volunteers at your club who go the extra mile each week! Nominate by clicking HERE

All nominees will also be considered for the Otago Rugby Volunteer of the Year: Ray Byrne Memorial Cup, with the winner going on to be nominated for NZ Rugby Volunteer of the Year.

FINAL CHANCE!!! Spots only left available in Balclutha…

Kids keen to give rugby a go?

Rippa Grade (Y1 and Y2) – FREE 9:00am – 10:30am

Tackle Grade (Y3 - Y8) – $30 10:30am – 3:00pm

• Balclutha – Clutha Rugby Club (15 April)

Bring your lunch, drink bottle, and plenty of energy! Spaces are limited, so make sure you register early using the QR code on the poster or via this link https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/497782

Wanting to be involved in rugby with the perks of flexibility? Have you considered refereeing? If you’re keen to give back to your community, sign up now to our women & girls Introduction to Refereeing course!

No experience necessary, we can offer childcare, and there’ll be kai available!

Our Women’s Premier bye round players are highly encouraged to attend to get them ticked off and ready to referee when it’s their turn to do so!

Follow this link to sign up! - https://www.nzrugby.co.nz/introduction-to-refereeing

Are you at High school and love rugby? How does 10 Level 3 NCEA credits sound?

The, “You make the call” Rugby Referee course for students allows you to do just that!

After the classroom section of the course you’ll have the foundational skills to go out and referee three games of rugby to bank some valuable NCEA credits for yourself.

Whether you're a current player or just love rugby without the physical element, we've got you covered with the tools and support you need in this course.

This year we are rolling out three locations for our classroom component:

Wakatipu High, Queenstown – Friday 10th April
South Otago High, Balclutha – Wednesday 15th April
Otago Rugby Union offices, Dunedin – Thursday 16th April

Complete the expression of interest form in the link below to get started!

2026 "You make the Call" School student Referee course - Expression of interest Form – Fill out form

After an unforgettable 2025 season, one thing was clear, Otago fans know how to show up!

The energy in the stands was undeniable, and your support made a real impact. Now it’s time to lock in your place for the 2026 Otago NPC season.

A season membership gives you more than just entry to the game — it secures your spot at every home match and every big moment across the season, including complimentary entry to our two preseason fixtures!

And this year, you’ll also have the option to purchase an exclusive members only jersey when you sign up. The perfect way to show your colours all season long! (Limited time, Jersey Option ends 17 April, 2026)

There are options for young and old, starting from just $32.50. Don’t miss your chance to be part of it again in 2026.

Secure your membership today and we will see you there!

https://www.orfu.co.nz/high-performance/tickets-memberships