The Otago Rugby Football Union is thrilled to announce the 2025 Otago Bunnings Warehouse National Provincial Championship squad, a team poised to bring excitement and passion to the upcoming season. With a blend of seasoned veterans and promising new talent, this year's squad is set to make a significant impact on the competition.

Head Coach Mark Brown expressed his confidence in the team's potential, highlighting the dedication and hard work that has gone into preparing for the season. "Our players have  grown considerably over the past few seasons.  During this time, they have played with toughness and resilience and we are now poised to add an edge to our game that will take us into the deep end of the season," he said.

Squad Highlights:

• Squad features 26 players returning that played in 2024 Bunnings Warehouse NPC totalling 636 caps 
• A-One Lolofie (Zingari-Richmond), Bob Martin (Taieri), Max Ratcliffe (Dunedin) and Konrad Toleafoa (Southern) will look to earn their first appearance for Otago.
• Fabian Holland, Christian Lio-Willie and George Bower are currently assembled with the All Blacks in the Lipovitan-D July Series.
• Finn Hurley (quad, 10-12 weeks) Oliver Haig  (ankle, 4-6 weeks) Jona Nareki (knee, 4-6 weeks) Josh Whaanga (knee, 6-8 weeks) and Jake Te Hiwi (Groin, 4-6 weeks) will continue to rehabilitate from their injuries and hope to represent the Blue and Gold upon full return to fitness.
• Charlie Powell (Southland 2024 and Manly Marlins Shute Shield 2025) and Joseva Tamani (Fjii Drua) will provide cover and certainty alongside local Provincial Union Development players.
• Development and injury replacement players have already spent time with the squad in week 1 of pre-season covering for injury replacement and All Blacks assembly.  Many of these players will line up for Otago v Southland in the pre-season match this Friday 18^th July, while some full-contracted players participate in the Metro Division 1 Men’s Final on Saturday 19^th July.
• 19 players played Super Rugby in 2025
• 12 players went to High School in Otago Secondary Schools

The Bunnings Warehouse NPC kicks off from Thursday 31^st July. The Otago team play their first game away against Southland on Saturday 2^nd August at 4:35pm. To view the full 2025 NPC draw click here. All Bunnings Warehouse NPC games will once again be broadcast live and available on Sky Sport. 

Article added: Monday 14 July 2025