Otago Rugby Union eNewsletter

Editorial

SOLD OUT!!! It's Test weekend, and town's starting to fizz up! We can't wait to get behind the boys tomorrow night, GOOOO All Blacks!!!

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! To sign up you can find our Membership Sign Up Form and information booklet HERE

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!

Final week crucial for Crescent

Otago Spirit Coach Craig Sneddon said, “An experienced lineup has been named for the 2024 FPC campaign with 27 players from 2023 returning. A solid core of Matatū players in Eilis Doyle, Georgia Cormick, Tegan Hollows, Leah Miles, Cheyenne Cunningham and Black Fern Maia Joseph have been included. Coupled with that, the squad is bolstered by the return of veteran player Greer Muir on the back of her excellent club form. Lininia Kaufana returns to the Spirit after last playing in 2016 and Millie Ieremia transfers south from Auckland. Try scoring machine from 2023 Jamie Church, will be keen to repeat her efforts but also look out for new outside back, Naomi Sopoaga who was a member of the Tokomanawa Queens in last year's Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa.”

The Farah Palmer Cup presented by Bunnings Warehouse kicks off from Friday 9th August 2024. The Otago Spirit play their first game away against North Harbour on Sunday 11th August at 11:35am.

To view the full 2024 FPC draw click here: https://www.provincial.rugby/farah.../fixtures-and-results

All Farah Palmer Cup games will once again be broadcast live and available on Sky Sport.

Today we were lucky enough to co-host a special "Thanks Volunteer" promo with NZ Rugby and Otago Rugby sponsor Cobb & Co. The event involved a Q & A session with three All Blacks, Wallace Sititi, Samipeni Finau & Stephen Perofeta. Otago community rugby volunteers who were nominated for our Volunteer of the Month initiative so far in 2024 were invited alongside a plus 1. It was a great event with plenty of genuine questions and answers. We hope our Otago rugby volunteers enjoyed their experience with the AB's and their lunch thanks to Cobb & Co Dunedin.

OTAGO RUGBY REP RUGBY REGISTRATIONS (Expression of Interest)

If you are interested in playing Rep Rugby for Otago this season please fill out the applicable form using links below:

OTAGO METRO BOYS U18, U17 & U16 OPEN DAY:

Wednesday 24 July | 4pm-6pm

University Oval 4

Enquiries to michael.smith@orfu.co.nz

https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/299679

OTAGO COUNTRY BOYS U18 & U16 OPEN DAY:

Sunday 21 July | 10am-2pm

Molyneux Park Alexandra

Enquiries to diane.ede@orfu.co.nz

https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/299688

OTAGO U18 GIRLS OPEN DAY:

Sunday 28 July | 10am-2pmZingari-Richmond RFC

Enquiries to michael.smith@orfu.co.nz

https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/299691

OTAGO METRO U16 GIRLS

Dates still to be confirmed

https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/300053

OTAGO COUNTRY U16 GIRLS

Dates still to be confirmed

https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/300016

OTAGO U18 GIRLS

Dates still to be confirmed

https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/300016

The representative team squads will be named the week after school finals on the 17th August.

We have an opportunity for our year 7/8 girls to continue growing their rugby. The year 8 festival is coming up on the 27th of July in Balclutha. Previously this event has been a boys festival where the odd girl would be mixed into the boys team, however this year we have introduced a girls only grade which is open to all year 7/8 girls. This will be an awesome day out for our girls to experience with the Otago Spirit FPC and Otago NPC teams also taking part in the day. Game Development - Female Participation legend Aria, will continue her work in this space and will run two more Monday night training's on 1st July (week before holidays) and 22nd July (week after school holidays) in preparation for the Year 8 festival. Teams will be organised prior to the weekend so reach out to aria.monaghan@orfu.co.nz for more details.

Where: Logan Park Turf

LINK TO REGISTER: https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/297579

Registrations close Friday 16th August.

This is a FREE event for all students Year 3 to Year 8.

Key details:

Location: Logan Park Turf + surrounding fields.

Briefing: 9:00am.

Kick-off: 9:30am.

Wrapped up: 2:30pm at the latest.

Footwear: Boots recommended (gym shoes are okay) there will be NO BAREFEET ALLOWED sorry.

Food: Bring a packed lunch.

Draw: Will be confirmed closer to the date.

Further information: Will be sent out following registration.