The Otago Rugby Football Union is proud to unveil the 2026 Otago Spirit squad ahead of the upcoming Farah Palmer Cup season, presented by Hilux.

Otago Spirit Head Coach Matt Direen says the squad reflects the work being done throughout the region and the growing strength of the women’s game.

"This year's squad and Saturday's club final highlights the depth we currently have in women’s rugby, across the province. This is also reflected in the quality of players within our development squad.

The squad sees a well-balanced mix of seasoned campaigners, exciting debutants and high-quality players who are on the cusp of taking their rugby to the next level.

We will be looking to return to the attacking style that served the girls so well last year when we begin our campaign later in the month.”

The Spirit will open their 2026 Farah Palmer Cup season at home on Saturday 29 August against Wellington at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

Before this they have a preseason match against Canterbury, Saturday 15 August, 1pm at Fraser Park, Timaru.

The Otago Rugby Football Union congratulates all players selected and acknowledges the contribution of clubs, coaches, volunteers and supporters across the province who continue to play a vital role in the success of women's rugby.

For any further questions, please contact Richard Kinley richard.kinley@orfu.co.nz

OTAGO SPIRIT 2026 Team

Forwards

Taylor Anderson - Alhambra Union *

Eilis Doyle - Alhambra Union

Sarah Jones - Alhambra Union

Ella Gomez - Big River Country

Leila Hill - Big River Country

Kayley Johnson - Big River Country

Tegan Willocks - Big River Country

Greer Muir - Dunedin

Rawinia Ngamoki-Moana - Dunedin

Rebekah Wairau – Dunedin

Honour Birks – University*

Lucy Cahill - University

Emily Dale - University *

Olivia Gill - University *

Hannah Lithgow – University

Shakirah Stephen – Dunedin

Backs

Pip Eason - Alhambra Union

Zaria Murray - Alhambra Union

Charli Sinclair - Alhambra Union *

Charlotte Va'afusuaga - Alhambra Union

Sasha Scott - Big River Country

Oceana Campbell - Dunedin

Te Atawhai Campbell - Dunedin

Georgia Cormick - Dunedin

Sheree Hume - Dunedin

Hannah Norris - Dunedin

Naomi Sopoaga - Dunedin 

Madison Flutey - University 

Maia Joseph – Dunedin**

Wider Training Group

Nadia Koni - Dunedin *

Orla Motley - University

Te Waikaukau Mathieson-Julian - University

Janet Kennedy - Zingari 

Unavailable for Selection

Asha Murphy – Alhambra Union

Bailey Rae Edwards – Dunedin

Cheyenne Cunningham – Big River Country