Otago Rugby Union eNewsletter

Editorial

Good Afternoon Otago Rugby supporters.

It's a home game for our Spirit women this weekend where they'll take on Manawatu Cyclones on Saturday 19th August, 2:05pm at the University of Otago Oval in Dunedin in their fifth game of the 2023 Farah Palmer Cup presented by Bunnings Warehouse. This game will be free entry, get on down to back the women as they do battle with the top of the table. Let's have em ladies!!! Check out the team list below.

The NPC men are headed to Hawkes Bay this weekend for a bit of Sunday afternoon code. Keep an eye on our socials tomorrow for the team naming. You can catch the game live on Sky at 2.05pm

The Otago Metro Club awards were held last night at Green Island Rugby Club. Congratulations to all the well deserved 2023 winners! Check out the results below.

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!

Rugby players get farm experience

Most Points – Finn Hurley – Green Island

Most tries – Jeremiah Asi – University

Club Champion of the Year - Matthew Aitken – Otago Rugby Referees Association

Women’s Breakthrough Player of the Year - Bella Rewiri-Wharerau – Alhambra-Union

Referee of the Year – Fraser Hannon

Ben Smith Medal Winner (Emerging player award) – Josh Whaanga – Taieri

Women’s Club Player of the Year – Zoe Whatarau – Alhambra-Union

ODT / Speights Men’s Club Player of the Year – Harry Taylor – Southern

Special Milestones:

100 + club games – Paul Tupai (Southern 150), Ayden Lloyd (Dunedin 100), Jamie Mowat (Dunedin 100)

Ainge Shield: Kaikorai

2023 Otago Rugby Clubs Life Members Function to be hosted by West Taieri Rugby Club. This event is just for life members of Otago Rugby.

Date: Sunday 10 September 2023

Time: 11:00am

Location: Black Forest Park, McDonald Road, Woodside 9073

Cost: $55 per person

Payment: Can be made by online payment to account 06-0939-0205279-00 using your name and club as reference or eft-pos will be available on the day.

RSVP to Lifemembers2023@gmail.com by 1 September 2023 to reserve your deserved Life Members seat at this prestigious annual event.

This week’s ref profile of the week is one of the more familiar faces around club rugby. Phill or Chucky as he’s more commonly known as, is a hardworking member of the group who juggles his time refereeing with working and studying to become a Teacher.

How long did you play rugby for?

Played for five years through secondary school, mainly in the front row.

What made you come to refereeing?

Finished up playing after Year 13 and wasn’t overly keen on playing in the front row at club rugby, and refereeing seemed to be an easier option to have a go at than learning another position.

What have you enjoyed the most about refereeing?

Two things, the comradery between us and the lifelong friendships that I have and continue to form, and the opportunities that refereeing has afforded me.

What's your greatest refereeing moment to date?

Too many to single out, but I really enjoy the social side and banter with my mates.

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

Continue to improve and grow myself, while still enjoying staying involved with the game I love.

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

Give it a go, it will be more fun than you think.

Thanks Chucky, for helping our game!

OUR Game, OUR Referees.