Otago Rugby Football Union is excited to announce Jermaine Ainsley (2-years), Saula Ma’u (3-years), Raymond Nu’u (1-year) and Thomas Umaga-Jensen (2-years) have signed to play for the Otago Team in the Bunnings NPC.

We welcome all four players back from last season. Ainsley, Ma’u and Umaga-Jensen have been playing Super Rugby for the Highlanders while Nu’u has been playing over the ditch in the Melbourne Rebels.

It has been especially exciting to watch Ma’u make his Highlanders and Super Rugby debut after a tough absence rehabilitating various injuries over the past couple of seasons.

Ainsley, Umaga-Jensen and Nu’u are all regularly named in the starting 15 this season, making all four players well prepared for the Otago NPC season set to start in August.

Otago NPC Head Coach Tom Donnelly said: “It has been awesome to see Saula finally back playing after a long two years being on the side-lines. We are stoked to have him on board for the next three seasons, he is definitely a front rower to watch. Thomas has been dominating in the Highlanders space, which is really exciting to see and we know he is going to bring that fire to the NPC format. Just like Thomas, Jermaine has also been outstanding so far this year in Super Rugby for the Highlanders and he is a very dependable and experienced player to have secured in our front row. Ray has been carving up over the ditch for the Melbourne Rebels and we can’t wait to see him showcase those new learnings and skills in the Otago jersey for 2022. It is positive that a large bulk of our team are returning from last year.

All players have affiliations to local clubs, Ainsley – Alhambra-Union RFC, Saula Ma’u – Harbour RFC, Nu’u – Green Island RFC and Thomas Umaga-Jensen – Otago University RFC.

For any further comments, please contact Richard Kinley, CEO Otago Rugby Football Union, 021 229 9809.