Otago Rugby Union eNewsletter

Editorial

Good Morning Otago Rugby supporters.

We've got a big weekend of footy ahead of us and we can't wait!

With their first hit out of the season our Otago NPC team will take on Southland at Kettle Park in Dunedin today, kick off 2.05pm. There will be a live-stream on the Otago Rugby Facebook page for those unable to attend. Two Otago sides have been named, one for the first half and one for the second half. There are also likely to be substitutions made within both of the 40-minute halves to ensure that everyone who is available in the squad gets a run. Go on, come along and support our boys in their first pre-season hit out!

Our ladies had an exciting first hit out last weekend taking the win in their first competition game of the season against Tasman. For round 2 Otago Spirit are playing in Oamaru, kick off at 2:05pm tomorrow! Head along to the Whitestone Contracting Stadium to watch our girls take on the Taranaki Whio! Spirit Development are playing beforehand against Canterbury Development at 12:00pm. Food and Drink will be available thanks to the North Otago Rugby Football Union. Get along to see some epic women's rugby.

It's Metro Finals weekend!!! The Southern Magpies will host Dunedin Sharks in what is likely to be a thrilling battle. Will Southern become back to back champions or will Dunedin come to ruin the party and steal the show? Be sure to head along to Bathgate Park and see the action live, kick off is at 2.45pm. Best of luck men!!!

It's gonna be a huge day in Alexandra tomorrow, it's Otago Country Day!!! Get a big breakfast in ya and head on down to Molyneux Park for 3 awesome curtain raisers and the Topp Cup Challenge. U13 Festival of Rugby from 10.30am, Central Development vs Southern Development 12.30pm, Dunstan HS 1st XV vs OBHS 2nd XV, 12.45pm and the Topp Cup Challenge, Central Premiers vs Southern Premiers, kick off 2.30pm. Have a great weekend everybody, she's gonna be a beauty!

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!

The Otago NPC squad will play their first pre-season fixture against the Southland Stags today, 2:05pm at Kettle Park in Dunedin.

The squad will run a first half team and second half team, but it is likely that all fit players will get a run as preparation for Round 1 of the Bunnings NPC.

The game will be livestreamed to the Otago Rugby Facebook page for anyone who is unable to attend.

The Bunnings Warehouse NPC is set to begin the weekend of Friday 4th August. The Otago team play their first game away against the Tasman Mako at Trafalgar Park in Nelson on Friday 4th August at 5:35pm. To view the full 2023 NPC draw click here.

This week’s Ref profile of the week is one of the most respected and hard-working members of our Group. Erin is a perfect example of someone getting stuck in and doing the hard mahi!

How long did you play rugby for?

I played from under 12s right through high school and then 4 years of premier women’s rugby while at University, so all up around 10 years.

What made you come to refereeing?

I’d had enough of getting battered and bruised (and I was never really any good) so decided to try another way to stay involved in the game through refereeing.

What have you enjoyed the most about refereeing?

The people you meet and the places it has taken me. There’s nothing better than a beautiful Dunedin winters day, being out in the middle involved in a great day of code. Being able to catch up with the other refs afterwards and have a laugh is great too!

What's your greatest refereeing moment to date?

My first class debut at Farah Palmer Cup level last year would have to be a very close second to being the first female to referee a men’s premier match in Otago earlier this season. The amount of support and genuine excitement for me from those I’ve come through the ranks refereeing alongside, and the wider rugby community, was second to none and really reminded me why I get out there each week and referee!

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

Keep getting stuck in week after week, hopefully add a few more to the premier and first class tally and see what happens from there!

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

Have a go at it! You don’t need to know all the rules or be the fittest person in the world, just get involved and enjoy with a great bunch of people who all get out there and do their best, and want to contribute to great footy being played.

Thanks Erin, for helping our game!

OUR Game, OUR Referees.