Otago Rugby Union eNewsletter

Editorial

Good afternoon Otago Rugby supporters. This weekend we are mostly back in business with an almost full roster of club rugby around the region, our ladies will be taking a break this weekend. Check out the draw here and be sure to get on down to support your team!

This week saw very successful and enjoyable U16/18 Development Days put on by Otago Rugby for Country & Metro School players. Players gained education across a number of areas from core and positional specific skillsets to goal setting and health and well being. A massive thanks to Cromwell College for hosting the Country days and Forsyth Barr Stadium for the Metro days. Check out some pics below.

Calling for nominations for our new initiative in 2023... Otago Community Rugby's Volunteer of the Month sponsored by Cobb & Co! Send us a direct message on our Facebook page with a nominee's name, photo and why they should be acknowledged! We will narrow it down to 4 nominees and then the winner will be voted on by the public on our Facebook page and score themselves a meal voucher from Cobb & Co Dunedin.

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 none other than, former All Black and Otago great, John Timu. When not refereeing JT works as a builder and is a great supporter of grassroots rugby.

How long did you play rugby for? Unfortunately… still have the odd run around.

What made you come to refereeing? Coaching & refereeing our kids. Ashamedly… I was always a bit of a pr**k to referees. In my later years after coaching kids & refereeing myself, I’ve come to admire & respect the unenvious job of the many tāne & wāhine that referee.

What have you enjoyed the most about refereeing? Giving back & keeping a foot in the rugby fraternity…. witnessing good competitive spirit amongst individuals & teams.

What's your greatest refereeing moment to date? Arsing up

What do you want to get out of refereeing for the future? Just continue to see boys & girls applying themselves, digging in & enjoying a hard, physical, competitive encounter

What would be your advice to someone who's thinking of taking up the whistle? Very rewarding… so get on in there!!

Thanks JT , for helping our game!

OUR Game, OUR Referees.