Otago Rugby Football Union is excited to announce Jermaine Ainsley (tighthead prop), Matt Faddes (outside back) and Will Tucker (lock) have signed to play for the Otago Team in the Bunnings NPC for 2021. All three players have signed 1-year contracts.

We welcome back two locally grown heroes. Ainsley, originally from Cromwell attended Otago Boys High School in Dunedin while Faddes, originally from Balclutha, is a proud product of South Otago High School.

Faddes represented Otago from 2011-2019. His last game was the Ranfurly Shield Challenge, Otago vs Thames Valley in Wanaka, 13 July 2019. This match was also Faddes’ 50^th Game for Otago.

Otago Coach Tom Donnelly said: “We are confident that Matt will slot back into the team nicely given the number of First Class seasons he has under his belt. He is a great team player and will be an asset on and off the field. We look forward to seeing how his overseas rugby experience in Ireland has hopefully benefited his game”.

Ainsley represented Otago Metro U16 in 2011. Donnelly said “We are stoked to see him back representing the Union and the Golden O after all these years. He is a world class tight head that has played international rugby. It will be exciting to see a son of a former Otago player getting the opportunity to play for Otago as well”.

Ainsley is still recovering from a high ankle injury that he endured during his Super Rugby season with the Highlanders earlier this year. He is tracking well and should become available in the first few rounds.

We also welcome back Tucker who was first signed to the Otago squad in 2020. Donnelly said “He had a solid season last year and we are happy to see him back in the blue and gold. He is a young player that is starting to fill in early potential on the rugby field”. 

All three players have affiliations to local clubs, Ainsley – Alhambra-Union RFC, Faddes – Otago University RFC and Tucker – Kaikorai RFC.

Article added: Monday 14 June 2021