http://www.norfu.nz/blog/ The latest Blog feeds from www.norfu.nz en-us Thu, 16 Apr 2026 23:09:43 +1200 Rocketspark http://www.norfu.nz/blog/post/158991/heartland-2025-a-season-that-defined-north-otago-rugby/ The 2025 Heartland Championship will be remembered as one of the most powerful and significant seasons in North Otago Rugby history, a campaign that united players, clubs, and community and delivered success when it mattered most.From the first whistle, North Otago played with intent and belief. The squad embraced the challenge of Heartland rugby week after week, combining physicality with attacking ambition and a relentless commitment to one another. Performances grew stronger as the season pro... Mon, 19 Jan 2026 22:44:38 +1300 http://www.norfu.nz/blog/#post158991 http://www.norfu.nz/blog/post/158855/north-otago-womens-xv-vs-parkes-boars-australia--a-historic-fixture/ In September 2025, North Otago Rugby celebrated a landmark moment for women’s rugby, with the North Otago Women’s XV hosting the Parkes Boars, a touring Australian women’s club side, at the A&P Showgrounds in Oamaru. This match marked the first time a North Otago women’s team had competed against a touring Australian club side, creating a historic milestone in the growth of women’s rugby in the region.The fixture was part of an initiative to revive the North Ota... Thu, 15 Jan 2026 22:08:54 +1300 http://www.norfu.nz/blog/#post158855 http://www.norfu.nz/blog/post/158852/2025-year7-8-girlsonly-rugby-program-a-historic-success/ 2025 was a landmark year for girls’ rugby in North Otago, marked by the launch and outstanding success of the Year 7/8 Girls‑Only Rugby Program. Designed to provide a fun, inclusive, and empowering pathway for young female players, the programme culminated in an exciting girls’ tournament in South Canterbury that not only showcased the talent and enthusiasm of Year 7 and Year 8 girls but also made history for the sport in our region.The programme was facilitated by Colleen ... Thu, 15 Jan 2026 21:44:36 +1300 http://www.norfu.nz/blog/#post158852 http://www.norfu.nz/blog/post/158842/norfu-communityled-strategy-day-2025-empowering-the-rugby-community/ In February 2025, North Otago Rugby hosted a community-led strategy day at the long-serving sponsor, Road Metals, brining together stakeholders from across the rugby ecosystem, including schools, clubs, referee officials, players, coaches, teachers, volunteers, life members, partners, patrons, and community supporters. CEO Sene Naoupu and the team, brought the community together and created the space for expert facilitators Jono Brent (In Your Corner) and Lisa ... Thu, 15 Jan 2026 17:02:11 +1300 http://www.norfu.nz/blog/#post158842 http://www.norfu.nz/blog/post/158828/2025-burns-shield-presidents-grade-final-kurow-vs-old-boys/ Kurow Rugby Club are the 2025 Burns Shield (Presidents Grade) champions following a closely contested final against Old Boys. In a competitive match that showcased resilience and club pride from both sides, Kurow secured victory to claim the Presidents Grade title and cap a strong season in the second-tier competition.The final brought together experience and emerging talent from both clubs, with Kurow ultimately prevailing in a spirited battle. The result marks an important achievement for... Thu, 15 Jan 2026 15:02:57 +1300 http://www.norfu.nz/blog/#post158828 http://www.norfu.nz/blog/post/158818/excelsior-retain-citizens-shields-in-close-2025-final/ Excelsior RFC are the 2025 Fat Sally’s Citizens Shield champions after defeating Valley RFC 31–28 in a tightly contested final at the Oamaru Showgrounds.Played in difficult conditions, the final was marked by physicality, momentum shifts, and strong defensive efforts from both teams. Valley established early control and carried a narrow lead into the halftime break before Excelsior responded with improved accuracy and composure in the second half.With both sides in contention until the closi... Thu, 15 Jan 2026 12:36:59 +1300 http://www.norfu.nz/blog/#post158818 http://www.norfu.nz/blog/post/144047/north-otago-rugby-announces-strategic-partnership-with-north-otago-motor-group/ North Otago Rugby is proud to announce a major new partnership with North Otago Motor Group (NOMG) Toyota, marking the beginning of a dynamic three-year sponsorship that will power the Union’s mission of connection, growth, and community impact. This exciting collaboration brings together two locally driven organisations with strongly aligned values and a shared passion for bringing our communities and people together. Spanning 26 schools and 23 townships, the partners... Fri, 11 Apr 2025 08:57:18 +1200 http://www.norfu.nz/blog/#post144047 http://www.norfu.nz/blog/post/143704/kieran-hallett-joins-north-otago-rugby-as-technical-advisor/ The North Otago Rugby Football Union (NORFU) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Kieran Hallett as Technical Advisor for the upcoming season. A highly experienced coach and former professional player, Hallett brings a wealth of expertise to the team. Hallett has been a key figure in Leinster Rugby’s coaching setup, currently serving as an Elite Player Development Officer. He was recently with the senior Leinster men’s team in South Africa, playing a pivotal role in their victory ... Wed, 02 Apr 2025 21:17:06 +1300 http://www.norfu.nz/blog/#post143704 http://www.norfu.nz/blog/post/143703/luke-herden-named-head-coach-for-the-2025-bunnings-heartland-championship/ North Otago Rugby is delighted to announce Luke Herden as the Head Coach for the 2025 Bunnings Heartland Championship. Ralph Darling joins the coaching staff as Assistant Coach, with Kilifi Fangupo taking on the role of Defence Assistant Coach. Additionally, the team will receive technical advisory support from both Highlanders and Leinster Rugby. Herden, a former North Otago captain, made history as the first loan player to reach 60 caps for the province and captained the team to champions... Wed, 02 Apr 2025 20:52:00 +1300 http://www.norfu.nz/blog/#post143703 http://www.norfu.nz/blog/post/142195/fat-sallys-restaurant-signs-new-5-year-sponsorship-agreement/ On the back of such an entertaining 2024 Premier Club Season, Fat Sally’s owners, Tyler Burgess and Kristin Murdoch are excited to be on board long term.They both see the benefits of great exposure and the opportunity to be involved in a community sport that has so much history and passion.“We jumped at the chance to align with the North Otago Rugby Union for another five years and be part of one of the most even and exciting rugby club competitions in New Zealand”, said part owner, Tyler ... Thu, 28 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.norfu.nz/blog/#post142195