North Otago Triumphs in Lochore Cup Final with 64-47 Victory

The North Otago Rugby Union celebrated a significant achievement by securing the Lochore Cup with a decisive 64-47 victory over Horowhenua-Kapiti in the final held in Maheno. This victory capped off an eventful season in the Heartland Championship, where the union demonstrated their commitment to community engagement and strategic development.

Early in the year, community stakeholders convened to establish a strategic vision that laid the groundwork for the season’s success. This initiative resulted in the appointment of Luke Herden, a former player with the Old Golds, as head coach, alongside Ralph Darling, a North Otago centurion, as his assistant. The team returned to the Oamaru Showgrounds for this season due to the ongoing construction of the Waitaki Event Centre, which rendered Whitestone Contracting Stadium unavailable. The venue hosted not only the Old Golds but also club rugby, age-group representatives, and women’s games.

North Otago Chief Executive Sene Naoupu expressed gratitude to the community that played an integral role in their success. “All of those wonderful things took also the community to support us,” Naoupu noted. He emphasized the importance of community involvement throughout the representative campaign and club activities, stating, “Every single week of that representative campaign, and as well as the club campaign … that was all representative of our purpose and vision.”

The culmination of the season was marked by the Lochore Cup final, which Naoupu described as a momentous occasion. “You can’t quite put that into words,” he said, reflecting on the shared pride in the community’s involvement. The strategic direction provided by community leaders enabled the recruitment of the right coaching personnel, which Naoupu credited for fostering a positive environment within the squad.

The players exhibited exceptional performance throughout the club season, continuing their high standards in the Heartland Championship. “They’ve carried themselves with that mana on the field and off the field,” Naoupu remarked, reiterating the union’s commitment to being community-led.

In addition to the cup victory, players Kelepi Funaki, Junior Fakatoufifita, and Tini Feke received recognition by being selected for the Heartland XV’s upcoming two-game tour of Samoa. “There’s just so much excitement and [it’s] just [a] time of celebration after what’s been an incredibly intense year,” Naoupu added, acknowledging the collective effort that contributed to their successful campaign.

With gratitude towards various contributors—including volunteers, referees, and supporters—Naoupu emphasized the significance of community spirit in achieving their goals. “Everything about that campaign was incredibly special,” he said. The union has been in close collaboration with the Waitaki District Council regarding the development of the Waitaki Event Centre and remains optimistic about returning to Whitestone Contracting Stadium next year.

As North Otago celebrates its Lochore Cup victory, the focus now shifts toward building on this success and continuing to strengthen community ties in the seasons to come.