Otago Rugby Union eNewsletter

Editorial

Good Morning Otago Rugby supporters.

NPC is officially on!!! The men take on Tasman Mako this afternoon with a 5.35pm kick of, you can catch them on Sky Sport 2. Check out the full team named below to see some exciting debuts and whether your favorite players have been named.

Our Spirit ladies had an epic game in Oamaru last weekend. Can they make it 3 in a row with a win against Northland! Kick off Saturday at 5.05pm, catch them on Sky Sport Select.

This week the Otago Country 2023 Premier squad was announced, filled with plenty of exciting talent. The boys will kick of the representative season tonight against North Otago in Outram with a 7pm kick off. Go well Lads!!! Scroll down to see the full team list.

A massive congratulations to July's winners of our Volunteer of the Month Competition. Cromwell legends Paula & Jason Clark! Well done team. You can read more on how awesome they are below.

Well done to the Southern Magpies who took out the Metro Premier Men's Comp. They came with the fire and sealed the shield for another year!

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!

Otago Head Coach Tom Donnelly has named his side to play against Tasman Mako in the first round of the Bunnings Warehouse NPC this Friday 4th August, 5:35pm at Trafalgar Park in Nelson.

There are several players set to make either their First Class and Otago debut or Otago debut this Friday: Rohan Wingham (First Class & Otago Debut), Josh Whaanga (First Class & Otago Debut), Waisake Naholo (Otago Debut), Finn Hurley (Otago Debut), Benjamin Lopas (First Class & Otago Debut) and Harry Taylor (First Class & Otago Debut).

Sam Gilbert and Sean Withy will lead as Co-Captains.

This week’s ref profile is a young man who’s taken the big step into the refereeing world at such a young age but has come with the best of attitudes. In his second year as an ORRA member Martin made his refereeing debut with the help of one of our Colts referees, Jacob Davies running around the field with him. We look forward to seeing how you progress Martin!

How long did you play rugby for?

Since I was 4 years old. I used to play for Pirates, and then moved to Alhambra-Union when I was 9.

What made you come to refereeing?

When I was playing for the Year 7 AU Broncos Elizabeth reffed a few of our games. I loved the idea of being to be able to be part of the game I loved, but without being hurt.

What have you enjoyed the most about refereeing?

I have met some amazing people, and made a lot of new mates. They have made my learning journey so easy. They are always encouraging and are there for me whenever I need a mate to talk to.

What's your greatest refereeing moment to date?

There are two moments that come to mind. The first one was being able to ref a game under the lights out at Peter Johnston park! What an amazing experience that was! Jack Mclaughlan and Michael Buttery were my shadows and their support that night was inspiring. The second one was when I was water carrier for Brendon Pickerill for Aaron Smith’s last game as a Highlander. I was really proud and couldn’t stop smiling. My mum and dad were proud of me too.

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

I would like to become an international ref!

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

Do it! You will make some amazing friends along the way, while having lots of fun, and keeping active. As a young ref, I have found sometimes refereeing is hard, but never give up and always keep trying. There is always someone there to give a hand.

Thanks Martin, for helping our game!

OUR Game, OUR Referees.

Sponsored by Cobb & Co. Dunedin

Paula & Jason Clark - Cromwell RFC

“The backbone of the Cromwell Rugby Club & Central Otago Women’s Rugby, Paula and Jason Clark have been instrumental in the day to day running of these clubs. Through their dedication and commitment to growing the women’s game, Paula and Jason, set out in 2020 to rally women into playing rugby for the Central Otago region. The team had its debut season in the Otago Metro Competition in 2021 and the team has flourished due to the dedication from Paula and Jason in the background to organise trainings, dinners after trainings, games, travel, sponsors … just to name a few. The growth and atmosphere of the team has been astounding with the teams ages ranging in 16-38! Paula and Jason, are also instrumental in running the Cromwell Rugby Football Club, where Paula was the first female president in 2020-2021. Jason has also been the president of the club and has been coaching/managing teams for 30 years - an astounding length of time. Jason also plays a hands on role with the Otago Country Committee. Paula and Jason are the backbone behind these two clubs and these clubs would be no where without these too! They have been involved in the club for over 15 plus years either coaching, managing, president, committee member or managing the facility. They have done it all!! Hours and hours each winter they give up their time to make sure everyone gets to play rugby, everyone is well kitted being the main sponsor behind two of the teams in area!! The does was founded by Paula and Jason and has turned into their baby and they have watched in grow from year to year! Starting a club is hard but these too make it look easy!! They are also apart of the Cromwell Sports club which Paula and Jason both spend hours cleaning, getting licenses, meetings, and filling up the bar so over 5 sporting club in the Cromwell area can use this facility week in and week out!! Without a doubt they are the best thing to happy to the club and forever grateful for all they do! With the recent accident they were both involved in, it shows how much these two mean to the Otago community, and of course my mum in her worse moments was worried about every single person rather than herself!!"

Congratulations Paula and Jason, you have scored yourself a $100 Cobb & Co. meal voucher!

All other nominees, Nathan Hull. Greg Heller and Jack McLaughlan 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.