2024 OTAGO BUNNINGS WAREHOUSE NPC SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT
Otago Rugby Football Union is pleased to announce the 2024 Bunnings Warehouse NPC Otago Squad.
Otago Head Coach Tom Donnelly said, “We believe in this group and we’re proud to see so many local players who have come through our system”. The playing group has a consistent feel with many players gaining NPC experience last season and further game time in Super Rugby this year. There has been some movement in the coaching group which will bring new voices and refreshed energy. Rewarded are a two of our local coaches, Kane Jury and Will Henry, who have significant community coaching experience and now get an opportunity to coach at NPC level. It is also exciting to add a new coach, Lachlan McCaffrey, who will bring fresh ideas and solutions from environments he’s worked in all over the world. Further Donnelly added “We are a tight group, we love representing Otago and are proud to wear the Golden O. We are looking forward to this season and to perform to a level that our loyal fans can get behind and be proud of. We can’t wait for the season to begin”.
Squad Highlights:
- Squad features 28 players returning to the Otago NPC team with 548 caps/appearances
- University player Ale Aho earns his first full contract
- 21 players earned Super Rugby experience in 2024
- 13 went to High School in Otago secondary schools
- Welcome back Liam Coltman (82 appearances) after two years in Lyon
- Lucas Casey (Kaikorai) Konrad Toleafoa (Southern) and Kyan Rangitutia (Dunedin) will assemble as injury cover the week beginning 22 July and other players may come into the squad on development/injury contracts after player assessments in week 1 and Final of the Premier Men's competition 20 July.
The Bunnings Warehouse NPC kicks off from Friday 9th August 2024. The Otago team play their first game away against Southland on Saturday 10th August at 2:05pm. To view the full 2024 NPC draw click here. All Bunnings Warehouse NPC games will once again be broadcast live and available on Sky Sport.
NOTE: The squad list is on page 2 and team management is on page 3.
2024 NPC OTAGO SQUAD
Ale | Aho* | University | Lock |
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James | Arscott | Green Island | Inside Back |
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Jeremiah | Asi | University | Outside Back |
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Henry | Bell | Kaikorai | Hooker |
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George | Bower | Harbour | Prop |
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Liam | Coltman | Alhambra-Union | Hooker |
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Ajay | Faleafaga | Dunedin | Inside Back |
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Sam | Fischli | Taieri | Loose Forward |
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Sam | Gilbert | Green Island | Midfield |
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Nathan | Hastie | Harbour | Inside Back |
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Oliver | Haig | Green Island | Loose Forward |
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Fabian | Holland | Dunedin | Lock |
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Finn | Hurley | Green Island | Outside Back |
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Jack | Leslie | Southern | Midfield |
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Christian | Lio-Willie | Kaikorai | Loose Forward |
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Benjamin | Lopas | Green Island | Prop |
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Saula | Ma'u | Harbour | Prop |
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Cameron | Millar | Taieri | Inside Back |
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Jona | Nareki | Alhambra-Union | Outside Back |
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Abraham | Pole | Harbour | Prop |
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Tom | Sanders | Alhambra-Union | Loose Forward |
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Will | Stodart | University | Loose Forward |
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Harry | Taylor | Southern | Loose Forward |
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Jake | Te Hiwi | Green Island | Midfield |
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Josh | Timu | Southern | Midfield |
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Will | Tucker | Kaikorai | Lock |
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Thomas | Umaga-Jensen | University | Midfield |
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Josh | Whaanga | Taieri | Midfield |
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Rohan | Wingham | Dunedin | Prop |
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Potential debut *
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2024 MANAGEMENT STAFF:
Head Coach: Tom Donnelly
Assistant Coaches: Ryan Bambry, Lachlan McCaffrey, Kane Jury, Will Henry
S & C Coach: Ian Blake
Physio: Alex Gough
Manager: Simon Wallace
Assistant Manager: Grant Pellowe
Doctor: Andrew Haren
Performance Nutritionist: Hanna Zouggari
Personal Development Manager: Amanda Slade
Performance Analyst: Spencer Byers
Article added: Tuesday 09 July 2024
