Otago Rugby Union eNewsletter

Editorial

Junior rugby is on the menu this weekend. Make sure you get down to make some noise for our youngsters!!!

A massive congratulations to Former Otago captain David Latta who has been elected as New Zealand Rugby Vice President at this week’s 134th AGM in Wellington. More details below.

Well done to John ‘Jockey’ O’Neill from Alexandra Rugby Football Club who has been voted our Prezzy Card Volunteer of the month for April. Scroll down below to read why Jockey is such a legend in how he shows up for his Club!!!

Club rugby is in full swing so make sure you get along to support your team. You can check out the draw & all results by clicking HERE

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. After an unforgettable 2025 season, one thing was clear, Otago fans know how to show up! 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! CLICK HERE to secure your membership today!

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

Former Otago captain David Latta has been elected as New Zealand Rugby Vice President at this week’s 134th AGM in Wellington.

Latta is a familiar and respected name in the Otago rugby community, having played 161 matches for the province between 1986 and 1996. Since then, he’s remained heavily involved in the game, contributing as a coach across club, sevens, women’s and men’s rugby, including time with Otago’s NPC side.

A Life Member of Clutha Rugby Football Club, Latta has also given 15 years of service to the New Zealand Rugby Foundation, supporting the care of rugby participants and Very Injured Players.

His appointment is a great recognition of his long-standing contribution to the game.

Country Day heads to Balclutha on Saturday 30 May, bringing together the best of Otago Country rugby for one of the season’s biggest regional clashes.

The line up for the day features Southern and Central going head-to-head across a range of fixtures, including Junior Rugby, Big River Country vs Central Otago Does Women’s Invitational match and the Southern Development vs Central Development Men’s fixture before the feature event — the Topp Cup Challenge kicking off at 3pm.

Country Day is more than just rugby, it’s a celebration of our clubs, our people and the communities that keep the game strong across the regions.

Players, volunteers, supporters and families are encouraged to wear their colours, back their teams and be part of a great day in Balclutha.

Further event details will be released over the coming weeks.

We are so excited to announce that Otago Rugby is represented in four categories at this years Otago Sports Awards!

Both the Otago NPC team and the Otago Spirit FPC team are up for Team of the year!

Dylan Pledger is a Finalist for Junior Sportsman of the Year

And Rugby referee James Doleman js a finalist for Offical of the Year!

Congratulations to all the Finalists!!

Tickets to the awards night are available now – contact Sport Otago Events Lead Sophie Russell at srussell@sportotago.co.nz to secure yours!

Help Shape the Future of Women and Girls Rugby

Otago Rugby is on the lookout for passionate people who are keen to support the continued growth of women and girls rugby in our region.

We’re calling for more voices and perspectives to help guide and strengthen the game. Whether you’re involved at club level, a parent, a player, or simply someone who cares about the future of women’s rugby, your ideas and input are valued.

This is a great opportunity to be part of meaningful conversations and contribute to the development of the game in Otago.

If you’re interested in volunteering to get involved, we’d love to hear from you.

Please get in touch with Warren Kearney at warren.kearney@orfu.co.nz by Friday 22 May.

With thanks to supporting partner Prezzy Card we are please to announce our Winner for April is John 'Jockey' O'Neill!

John ‘Jockey’ O’Neill – Alexandra Rugby Club

Jockey is one of those people around the club that does it all - he's the happy face behind a club BBQ or blending in as one of the kids running around coaching at training. He's dedicated to making each kids experience at Junior level a great one and never shys away from an idea or getting his hands dirty. He brings a genuine good energy and commitment to the Alexandra Rugby Football Club and we are very happy that he has recently taken on the role as Junior Club President.

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

All other nominees, Olivia Wheeler, Josh von Pein and Ann-Marie Longthorn 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 got the extra mile each week! CLICK 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.

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, we have had to postpone the course until next month. We sincerely apologise for any inconveniences this may cause.

Originally scheduled for 13 May and will now be held on 24 June.

Ako Wāhine is a women‑only coaching programme designed for those new to coaching, in their first year, or wanting to upskill at a foundational level. No previous experience is required, with content aligned to World Rugby and New Zealand Rugby Foundation Level 1.

The programme creates a supportive, inclusive environment where women can build confidence, develop coaching skills, and connect with others in the rugby community. Since launching in 2019, Ako Wāhine has been delivered nationwide, empowering women as future leaders of the game.

The course includes three modules covering game knowledge, coaching skills, and effective training delivery. Childminding is provided at each workshop, and graduates become NZ Rugby and World Rugby accredited Level 1 coaches.

WEDNESDAY 24th June

Alhambra Union Rugby Club (Childcare will be available)

6.30pm - 9.30pm

https://www.nzrugby.co.nz/what-we-do/our-initiatives/ako-wahine/ako-wahine-registration-form

Keen to support your club or school and give refereeing a go?

We’re short on refs and associate refs right now – meaning we need volunteers to step up so games go ahead!

Got good Rugby IQ?

Want to stay involved in the game?

Keen to give back to your community?

Priority areas:

• Midweek Girls Rugby - kick off 4.30pm Wednesdays

• Saturday School Grades (11.15am–2pm)

• Colts Div 2/3 Men’s & Women’s- kick off 12.45pm Saturdays

We’ve got a short course to get you confident and ready! Check out the latest group of new ref’s ready to get involved!!

Your support makes a huge difference — put your hand up and get involved!

Otago Community Rugby is excited to bring back the Spirit Sisters Tackle Programme for 2026. This six‑session programme is designed for girls who play junior rugby or those keen to give tackle a go, all within a fun, safe, girls‑only environment.

Players can continue their regular Saturday club rugby while attending a mid‑week session focused on tackle technique, skill development, and mini games to put learning into action. With no pressure and no long‑term commitment, it’s a great way to build confidence and skills.

The Metro programme begins in Term 2, with Central and Southern regional programmes following in Term 3.

https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/394837

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!

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