Otago Rugby Union eNewsletter

Editorial

Good afternoon Otago Rugby supporters.

We've got Finals Footy happening this weekend!!! The Premier Women's Development Final will kick off on Bishopscourt Field 3 at 12pm with Kaikorai Women & Cromwell Women.

For the Premier Women's Final, Alhambra Union Crazy Horses will do battle with Dunedin Wāhine, kick off 12.15pm at North Ground. Get around the girls this weekend, come along and show your support! For those who live out of town, there will be a livestream link to this game available on our Otago Community Rugby Facebook page.

On Wednesday night Otago Rugby held our 2023 NPC Internal Trial. The men selected for Teams Blue & Gold stepped up to display exciting up and coming talent and on a fresh mid week Dunedin night we couldn't have been happier with the community support, with an awesome crowd filling the sidelines. Check out some pics below

A massive congratulations to Otago Rugby Referee James Doleman, who won 'Official of the Year' at the 2023 Otago Polytechnic Te Pūkenga Otago Sports Awards on Friday night. Well deserved Jimmy. Very proud to call you one of our own.

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 of the week is a referee who we wish was staying longer! Gen has come to ORRA via the USA and Tokyo. He has made every post a winner while in Otago and unfortunately is coming to the end of his stay before heading back overseas next week.

How long did you play rugby for?

I started playing when I was 12 and had played for 4 years until the first year of high school. Unfortunately, injuries have prevented me from playing.

What made you come to refereeing?

Even after stopping playing rugby, I still loved the game of Rugby. I always wanted to get involved in the game in some way and convert my passion of rugby into something, and gave refereeing a try.

What have you enjoyed the most about refereeing?

I truly love being on the field and running around with the players with a whistle, since it often allows you to see some great plays and tries from the best view! In addition to that, the camaraderie within the refereeing group is absolutely wonderful; I have learned a lot from the other referees, and they are all eager to teach you. The people in here are one of the best ones that I have ever met, and I am truly grateful for the environment that ORRA has provided to me.

What's your greatest refereeing moment to date?

ARing a Championship Colts match in Forsyth Barr Stadium back in this April was such an unreal experience. Moreover, refereeing an interschool rugby match between Timaru Boys High School and Otago Boys High School was a great moment as well. Lastly, a water carrier opportunity for the Super Rugby match was another special experience, being able to see the glimpse of how professional referees are like.

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

As a first year referee, I would like to develop my refereeing skills as quickly as possible. Ultimately, I would like to become a better version of myself throughout refereeing.

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

Definitely give it a go! It may sound like a cliché, but refereeing gives you the best seat in the game. Being able to witness some spectacular tries is quite special if you love the game of rugby like myself. The amount of support that ORRA gives to you is incredible, and being able to share your passion of rugby with great group of people is quite joyful. You may be able to have another great lifelong passion!

Thanks Gen, for helping our game!

OUR Game, OUR Referees.