Otago 2026

@Kiwiwomble Frugby had the scoop in the NPC thread

@Torian Last I heard there was absolutely no chance of that so I guess we will see

Otago have named their squad.

Interesting to see young Harry Irving in the squad. Don’t know much about him beyond he’s in the U20’s squad. For those in the know what’s he like as a player?

Don't want Pledger anywhere near the field during the NPC. Even if he is 'ready'.

Selection at centre will be my focus. Mark Brown clearly likes Josh Timu and he did a good job for him there last year.

The Highlanders on the other hand will be very keen to seen both Jona Nareki and Josh Whaanga wearing the 13 jersey. Our only two contracted options at this stage. They both need to stake their claims over the next few months.

Who wins that jersey will reflect the alignmnet between franchise and province.

@SouthernMann bit telling that Tengblad has opted to go elsewhere aside from Otago. Wonder if that's got a bit to do with lack of alignment between highlanders and the Provence.

@handa457 said in Otago 2026:

@SouthernMann bit telling that Tengblad has opted to go elsewhere aside from Otago. Wonder if that's got a bit to do with lack of alignment between highlanders and the Provence.

Nah don't think so.

Just an Auckland kid wanting to play for his home province. Not too much to read into it. Gets to spend half the year where is family and og mates are.

Kaikorai and Harbour will compete for the Dunddin Club Rugby banner next Saturday.

A repeat of last year's final.

Salu Ma'u is the anchor of Harbour's forward efforts. He just demos dudes at this level.

Harbour has a young and exciting backline. No rep guys. Just several lads a level under. Some big lads.

Kaikorai has Lucas Casey. He is joined in the loose by Slade McDowell and Gregor Rutledge.

Few exciting backs, especially Jake Hill, Jake Fowler and Charlie Breen. Ben Miller will run the cutter well at 10. He clash between him and Rique Milne will be key to deciding who wins the game.

Will be played at the stadium. The ODT will provide a live stream.

Otago plays Southland in a pre-season game the day before the final.

Marley Pearce has been signed for the season ahead. He will replace Abraham Pole who is no longer available due to his European contract.

@frugby said in Otago 2026:

Marley Pearce has been signed for the season ahead. He will replace Abraham Pole who is no longer available due to his European contract.

Rate that. Solid prop for the Force.

@Landers92 good signing. Shame to be losing Pole. Can’t fault the lad for going overseas. But do wish the landers had managed to nab him for another couple of years. At 27 was always going to be hard to convince him to stay though.

@handa457 Landers had no interest in him… once the contract came Pole wanted to take no risks in injury so isn’t playing club either - can’t blame the lad for securing his future.

Great acquisition with Pearce. I do hope Ben Lopas can have a good season. I enjoy watching him go about his work.

Pole is not the sort of guy I would have wanted at the Landers. Good luck to him in Div 3 France.

@frugby that’s a suprise. Agree that you can’t fault him for securing his future. But given we had a space on our roster, a surprise we didn’t chase him. He’s a local lad, and would be a great squad option.

@frugby said in Otago 2026:

Marley Pearce has been signed for the season ahead. He will replace Abraham Pole who is no longer available due to his European contract.

He’s been a good Fantasy pick the last couple years.

Hopefully we should see a full-strength side run out against Mid Canterbury next weekend.

Quite a few young lads included off the bench.

Ma'u, Timani, Casey, Lio-Willie, Lam, Millar, Pellegrini, Nareki, Hurley and Timu to come into the best 23.

Want to see that midfield combination persevered with.

@SouthernMann Poor old Mid-Canterbury. That could be a cricket score.

@frugby said in Otago 2026:

Canterbury. That could be

Hopefully it is 14c and sunny Alexandra day. Not a 3c and snowy Alexandra day.