Otago Rugby Union eNewsletter

Editorial

Good afternoon Otago Rugby supporters.

This week we announced our 2023 FPC Management Group. With Otago Spirit having such a powerful season in 2022 we can not wait to see what they can bring to the table in 2023. Lead by new Head Coach Craig Sneddon, we hope to see our girls back at the top of the table. Scroll down to check out the full 2023 Management Team.

Congratulations and a huge thank you to Kay Merret, the winner of our Volunteer of the Month for April. We had so many incredible nominations and can't express how truly grateful we are to our volunteers, you really do make the biggest impact on how we run rugby throughout the province and also in spreading the love and spirit of the game. Scroll down to read more about Kay and what an awesome human she is!

Otago Rugby wishes to invite all aspiring Otago U19 Mens Representative players for the 2023 campaign to an open skills and fitness testing night at Logan Park 1, 22nd May at 6pm sharp. Register HERE: https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/234675 More details on the flyer below.

Secondary schools rugby gets underway over the next few weeks across the region starting with our Metro 1st XV girls who kicked off on Wednesday, along with secondary school boys competitions from Wednesday through to Saturday allowing those who wish to, the chance to take part in duck shooting weekend. Culminating with the first round of the Otago secondary school championship, division 1 and 2 matches. To follow your team and to stay up to date with the draw and live scores, head to our website here.

The 2023 NPC & FPC Draws are out now! Scroll down to check out our Home Games, or check out the full NPC Draw here and FPC 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 ref profile is a familiar face to Otago. Caleb Neilson has returned to Otago after spending a year up in Buller managing a farm.

Caleb now resides in South Otago and regularly attends both metro and south meetings, providing a wealth of experience. Great to have you back Rowdy!

How long did you play rugby for?

I started at age 5 and finished at 16 (11 yrs)

What made you come to refereeing?

When I stopped playing I wanted to keep in the game somehow. I helped coach an under 11 team and refereed home games and really enjoyed it. Jeff Grubb helped me to get in touch with ORRA.

What have you enjoyed the most about refereeing?

Meeting and socialising with a lot of good people as well as referees, players and coaches. In terms of the game itself, being involved and contributing to the community.

What's your greatest refereeing moment to date?

2019 being selected to officiate at Top 4 schools NZ, 2020 refereeing the club final in Otago Metro and 2022 refereeing the club final in Buller.

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

To challenge myself to be in contention for selection for the next level and to help others that are starting out.

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

Have a go you may just enjoy it! Give back to the game.

Thanks Caleb, for helping our game!

OUR Game, OUR Referees.

Kay Merrett - Southern Region

"Kay Merrett is an avid supporter of the game, following all her children over the years, Kay has photographed and made videos for the teams they have been in. Kay does profiles of the players and she uploads them to the Facebook pages. This year Kay offered her services to profile all the Southern Region Teams and provide a profile video for every player of every club. She has spent hours editing these and providing Our Francis Parker with the pics for his write ups. Kay is a major part of the Clutha Club Facebook page and you will see her team profiles weekly, who they play, photos of the game and video footage. Kay is a well deserving Volunteer of the month.”

Congratulations Kay, you have scored yourself a $100 @Cobb & Co. Dunedin meal voucher!

All other nominees, Briar Mackenzie, Ash Jarden & Derek Shaw have scored themselves a $50 Cobb & Co meal voucher.

Thank you to all our volunteers for the work that you do for our rugby community week in, week out. We couldn't do it without you all.

We had a successful day out at Peter Johnstone Park, Taieri RFC for Year 3/4 Tackle Clinic.

The Year 3/4 grade is the first year of tackle rugby for many players so before the first game all the players and coaches were taken through some primo tackle drills and games to help them for the season.

It was really cool to have tackle experts Jermaine Pepe, Aaron Withy, Oliver Foote and Semisi Tupou-Ta'eiloa there to help facilitate the session.

Big thanks to the coaches and parents as well for help making the session possible.

On Sunday we were lucky enough to have International Referee, Maggie Cogger-Orr come down and present the brand new Rugby 101 for Women and Girls!

Maggie started her new role at New Zealand Rugby as the Women’s Referee Manager early this year and aims to increase the quality and numbers of Wāhine match officials in our game.

As part of that she has started a roadshow throughout the country that aims to upskill not only current and new female referees but also, players, coaches and supporters of Women’s rugby.

Each attendee walked away as a qualified associate referee and has gained more key knowledge in the laws of the game.

With plenty of opportunities for our women we’re encouraging more to take up the whistle or flag.

Our women’s game is rapidly growing and we need more Wāhine to take up the best seat in the house!

With plenty of opportunities for our women in Otago we’re encouraging more to grab the whistle or flag this rugby season.

If you would like to be a part of history and want a new challenge, contact Brandon at Otago rugby today!

Email: brandon.hale@orfu.co.nz

NZR and Visitor Solutions have released their first findings from insights on the Future of Rugby Clubs Project. This project is a two-year initiative to strengthen community rugby clubs around the country. The Future of Rugby Clubs project will identify the current and preferred future state of the rugby club system in New Zealand and provide a transformational plan for NZR to implement.

Otago Rugby will hold a series of drop-in sessions across the province in May to discuss the data/insights, how do the national findings align in our Otago context. Visitor Solutions will they run a series of clusters in June. If you would like to read the initial findings and roadmap of the project click on the links below. If you have any feedback contact your local club committee member.

Future of Rugby Clubs Road Map

Future of Rugby Clubs Preliminary Insights - Feb 2023