Otago Rugby Union eNewsletter

Editorial

Good Afternoon Otago supporters!!!

What a showdown at last weekend's Metro Premier Club Finals! A huge congratulations to the Southern Magpies after displaying absolute heart and determination that saw them take the win!!!

Our Otago NPC team will be playing their first pre-season game against the Southland Stags this afternoon down in Invercargill at Rugby Park, kick off 2pm. Adults are $5 and kids are free! If you're not able to make it down to see the boys you will find the Livestream link on Southland Stags FB page later today!

Our second pre-season game against Canterbury is on Friday 29th July in Oamaru at the Whitestone Cheese Stadium, kick off 3:05pm.

Tomorrow, our newly formed Otago Spirit squad will be playing their first official round of the Farah Palmer Cup against the Hawkes Bay Tui! Once again in 2022, all Farah Palmer Cup games will be broadcast live on Sky Sport and available Free to Air thanks to Bunnings Warehouse and Sky Sport. See the team announcement and more details below. Go well girls!!!

This week we announced our 2022 Otago Development and Otago U19 Men's squads, scroll down to get the full team lists and details.

A piece of rugby history will be on show in the mighty Big River Town, South Otago tomorrow, Saturday 23rd July. Several hundred players, volunteers and supporters will be part of the annual Otago Country Rugby Day, which this year is will be hosted by the Balclutha Rugby Club. For a specific outline of the day check the flyer below.

With only 2 weeks until the Bunnings NPC officially kicks off, make sure you secure your 2022 Bunnings NPC Otago Season Memberships by clicking here!

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

ODT Interesting Reads

Otago Spirit Coach Scott Manson has named his team to take on Hawke’s Bay Tui this Saturday at Hastings Sports Ground in their first FPC game for the 2022 season.

There are numerous debutants and potential debutants listed in this team naming including, Kristi Kerr, Georgia Cormick, Kayley Johnson, Grace Hastie, Brigid Corson and Atawhai Hotene.

Tegan Hollows and Julia Gorinski will lead as co-captains.

Once again in 2022, all Farah Palmer Cup games will be broadcast live on Sky Sport and available Free to Air thanks to Bunnings Warehouse and Sky Sport.

2022 COACHING STAFF
Head Coach: Scott Manson
Assistant Coach: Hannah Stolba
Assistant Coach: Ash Barron
Assistant Coach: Helen Littleworth
S & C Coach: Nathan Roberts
Physio: John Kieu
Manager: Rowena Duncum
Assistant Manager: Kate Ebrahim

The Southern Bush Pigs have opened up their 2022 defence of the National U85kg National Club Cup with a come from behind victory over the Celtic Fighting Leprechauns from South Canterbury, winning 32-23.

The visitors hit the ground running, jumping to an early lead 7-20 lead in the 1st half.

Maybe it was due to late night celebrations at the Southern club, following the clubs premier team winning the club final that had put the Bushies on the back foot. But Celtic pounced to get the upper hand.

After some reflection the Bushies got into gear with a strong 2nd 1/2 performance to take the “W”.

The Southern Bushpigs move into round 2 and will meet the Prebbleton Penguins in an away game, with the date and venue to be confirmed.

Up the mighty Southern Bushpigs!

This week’s Referee profile is one of the real characters of the association – Hamish McKnight. Hamish is a Farmer out of the Cromwell area.

How long did you play for?

22 Years.

What made you come to refereeing?

Started Reffing my son’s rugby as so many do. Really enjoyed it and never looked back

What have you enjoyed the most about refereeing?

Like all sports or clubs, meeting people and being part of the team!

What's your greatest refereeing moment to date?

Not that I would associate greatness with my Reffing! But, officiating at Premier level was certainly a goal, so to be getting games there is great.

What do you want to get out of refereeing for the future?

I want to keep growing as a Ref (not around the waist) and improving my game so I can continue to enjoy the opportunities refereeing presents.

What would be your advice to someone who's thinking of taking up the whistle?

Give it a go. It’s actually a hell of a lot of fun!

Thanks Mush, for helping our game!

OUR Game, OUR Referees.

The Otago Rugby High Performance programmes are an exciting opportunity for local and domestic talented young rugby athletes to discover a pathway in the game while upskilling themselves on all aspects off and on the field. The programme supports all accepted athletes whether they are studying or in the work force and also offers multiple avenues of support while these athletes take in the demands of possible professional rugby.

The benefits we have at Otago Rugby is the support of Otago University and Otago Polytech with wide range of educational opportunities within a stone's throw of the academy which is based at Forsyth Barr Stadium. The facilities and services that are available are a High-Performance gym facility, access to Bunnings NPC & Farah Palmer Cup coaches & staff, medical personnel, Sportscode video review facilities and also the pathway opportunity with the Highlanders.

While at the academy all athletes will be guided on their personal development through the six pillars of NZ Rugby; technical, tactical, physical, nutrition, mental skills, personal life skills, and will be assisted by multiple qualified staff within Otago Rugby.

In 2023, Otago High Performance department wishes to guarantee a place for a male and female player in the Men's Academy & Women's HP Groups respectively for country based players. Please note these players must be Year 13 to apply for a 2023 place.

All enquiries to Otago High Performance Development Manager:

Ryan Bambry - ryan.bambry@orfu.co.nz

Application form link: https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/199074