Otago Rugby Union eNewsletter

Editorial

Good afternoon Otago Rugby supporters, and happy Easter weekend eve!

Only some of our clubs/grades will be playing rugby this weekend, so make sure to check out the draw here before gearing up to make your way down to the paddock.

We're holding a Development Day in Central Otago for all players at high school under 14. This will be held at Anderson's Park in Cromwell on Wednesday 12 April at 10:30am and is an open event to all, so shove a smile on ya dial and come on down to learn some great tools to help you up your game for the 2023 season!

Last chance… If you're an U16 or U18 lass or lad looking to improve your game, get registered to attend the 2023 Highlanders & Otago Rugby Player Development Days. With both Country and Metro days being held there's no need to miss out. Scroll down to view our flyer and get full details.

The ORFU's 142nd AGM was successfully held last week. Otago Rugby wishes to welcome our 2 new board members, Sarah Middleton (2 year term) and Roger Taylor (1 year term). We would also like to acknowledge and welcome the reappointment of our Deputy Chair Warren Moffat (3 year term) and Director Craig Brown (3 year term).

You can read the ORFU Annual Report, which includes reports from our President, Chairman and CEO along with results across the 2022 rugby season here

Dunedin's getting a Test Match and this presents an awesome opportunity for our 2023 Otago Rugby Season Members. 2023 members that purchase their membership prior to the Test Match going on sale, are also able to purchase Test tickets with their membership, guaranteeing they won't miss out! Memberships are on sale now so go ahead and get yourself signed up here!!!

The 2023 NPC Draw is out now! Scroll down to check out our Home Games, or check out the full NPC Draw here.

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

ODT Interesting Reads!

This week’s Referee profile is a bright young lady with a great future. Elisabeth is currently a student at Otago Girls High School. When she's not refereeing she's a promising cricketer too!!!

How long did you play rugby for?

I've played rugby for 7 years and taking a year off due to injury

What made you come to refereeing?

Enjoying being a part of rugby and wanting to contribute back to the community

What have you enjoyed the most about refereeing?

What I've enjoyed most about refereeing is being able to help keep rugby going in Dunedin even if it is refereeing one game a week.

What's your greatest refereeing moment to date?

My greatest refereeing moment to date would be being able to be on the sidelines of an international all blacks game

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

What I want to get out of refereeing in the future would be to grow as a referee and hopefully reach the stage where I can get to referee provincial, national or even international rugby games.

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

My advice would be: do it ! When you decide to referee always be confident in yourself and your calls, don't let the players or sideline get to you, enjoy the game and have fun you won't regret it.

Thanks Elisabeth, 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 have been Year 13 in 2022 to apply for a 2023 place. Applications close tomorrow 7 April 2023.

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