The Otago Rugby Union was founded in 1881, making it one of the earliest teams. Formerly based at the Carisbrook, affectionately known as the ‘House of Pain’ and a legendary place to play when the terraces were full of students, they are now based at the Forsyth Barr Stadium, a covered arena in the centre of Dunedin. The union is part of the Highlanders Super XV franchise.
Colours and Logo
Otago play their home games in strip of blue and yellow, with the team logo a shield with blue background containing two sheep, three stars and a shief of wheat, all topped by castle. Under this are a leak, clover, thistle, red rose and fern with the word Otago underneath. The playing jerseys however, simply feature a large golden ‘O’. The strip has been donned by a vast number of notable players, a select few of which are: Stephen Bachop, Josh Blackie, Mike Brewer, Nick Evans, Carl Hayman, Byron Kelleher, Josh Kronfeld, Taine Randell, Jeff Wilson and Anton Oliver. Otago also claims to be among the leading five unions supplying All Blacks, with only Auckland, Canterbury and Wellington laying claim to more.
Honours
Since the advent of the National Provincial Championship format in 1976 Otago have won the title twice, claiming the honour 1991 and in 1998. They have been finalists six times and semi-finalists 11 times. The Ranfurly Shield is a different story though, with the proud Union not having held the prized ‘Log-o-wood’ since 1957. Otago have a rich history against touring international sides, with their former home ground of Carisbrook proving a humbling venue for many esteemed visitors.
ITM Cup 2012 Preview
After financial disaster struck last year it was doubtful if the Otago Rugby Union would be able to field a team in the ITM Cup, but hard work and input from the NZRFU has stabilises their financial position, and they will take their place in the second tier competition of the ITM Cup, the Championship.
The side will be coached by Otago and All Black representatives Tony Brown and Kees Meuws former, and the two stalwarts have had to work hard with the limited resources at their disposal to generate a competitive squad. Much will hinge on how much they see of All Blacks Adam Thompson, Ben Smith and Tamati Ellison, and how quickly their Japanese imports can get up to speed with the game in New Zealand.