Otago Rugby Union eNewsletter

Editorial

We've been out and about in the Community trying to help grow the game. This week we held Development Days for U16 - U18 in both Dunedin & Cromwell. Nothing gets us more pumped up than seeing our young players show up eager to work on their skills and knowledge of the game. We hope to see this years attendees using their new found knowledge on the field this season. Keep scrolling to see some pics over an epic couple of days!

Volunteer of the month is back, so we encourage you to put forth your local volunteer legend for a bit of extra recognition!!! Volunteers straight up make our game happen and we couldn't be more grateful for the contributions big and small, that our volunteers gift to the province every year. Check out the flyer below for more info on how to nominate.

We need referees!!!!! Before you scroll past thinking you're not the right man/woman for the job… you're probably wrong! If you think refereeing is something you would like to do but aren't sure you meet the requirements why not reach out to our Referee Education Officer Brandon Hale for a chat. Young or old we wanna chat!!! More details below or you can email brandon.hale@orfu.co.nz

2024 Season Memberships are now ONSALE!!! In 2024 all members will receive a $10 voucher per membership to shout themselves some food or a bevy on us! Memberships purchased prior to the Test Match going on sale, are also able to purchase Test tickets with their membership, guaranteeing they won't miss out! To sign up you can find our Membership Sign Up Form and information booklet HERE

The final dates for coaches to complete Small Blacks courses are approaching! Make sure that you've attended the required Small Blacks course. Scroll down below to see Small Blacks course dates for your area or if you have questions reach out to michael.smith@orfu.co.nz

The 2024 NPC & FPC Draws are out! Scroll down to check out our Games, or check out the full Draws here… FULL NPC DRAW, FULL FPC DRAW.

Scroll down for more rugby news and announcements like development opportunities, weekly happenings, rugby courses and more…

ODT Interesting Reads!

Hard-fought shield match likely

Despite the efforts of clubs and schools to recruit players and volunteers, the current low numbers of referees jeopardize the game itself.

We encourage the rugby community to step up and help address this challenge by seeking out individuals willing to officiate matches. Just as in many other sports, it's going to become normal where teams/clubs and schools provide referees.

READ MORE HERE: https://rb.gy/c3ft29

If you are interested in finding out more, or are keen to help out then please DM Otago Rugby Referees Association - Inc or get in touch with Referee Education Officer Brandon Hale brandon.hale@orfu.co.nz

The time has come to register for Associate Referee courses near you!

Come along and gain some valuable tools to become an Associate Referee for your club or school. We encourage as many players, coaches, parents and supporters to register for their local course.

As you’ll be aware we have a shortage of referees and the time will come this season when your team will be called upon to help out. Get your people prepared by getting them along to one of these courses and help your community.

Please register to confirm your place but walk-ins are welcome too. You can make a difference and single handedly, make the O stronger!

Click this link to register https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/286656

Junior Rugby in Dunedin is this year introducing a new grade for those kids who aren't quite ready to make the change to tackle, are new to the game or just love the Rippa version of the game. This grade is in conjunction with the existing tackle grades in Year 3 and 4. Note: this grade is only available in the Metro competition this year.

For those that want to play tackle at Year 3, each player who registers in 2024 will receive a Tackle Clinic session with Otago Rugby at the start of their season.