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Otago Daily Times
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Stags tee off 2025 season
Alaya, 3, and her dad Southland Stags player Isaac Te Tamaki putt off at the Southland Stags season launch at Jump 'N' Climb Invercargill. PHOTO: NINA TAPU The 2025 SBS Bank Southland Stags team chose to kick off the NPC (National Provincial Championship) season with rounds of mini golf and games of laser tag at Jump 'n' Fun in Invercargill on Monday. Sponsors and supporters of the team got to pair up with a Stags player for a friendly dual and a chance to grab some "bragging rights". Rugby Southland and Southland Stags commercial marketing manager Jack King said the games were an informal way for the team to show their gratitude towards their sponsors and supporters. "This [launch] was a chance for us to say thank you to our national supporters and partners for their continued support," Mr King said. "It's less formal and more fun and we just wanted to acknowledge all of the new partners to the group." The 2025 squad were introduced to the gathering including a new addition to the coaching team. Rugby Southland chief executive Hua Tamariki said outgoing coach Matt Saunders was critical in bringing the new squad together but he was also looking forward to what Nathan White would bring to the team. "He's a really knowledgeable man, very experienced, and we're looking forward to what he brings into the staff squad this year," Mr Tamariki said. A promotional video was played at the launch which conveyed how the team would attack the season and get the community buy-in. "We want to get the whole community behind you and we believe that you've [team] been set up to do something really special," he said.
Otago Daily Times
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
‘No place' for racism, Bluff Rugby Club says
Bluff rugby team. PHOTO: ODT FILES Bluff Rugby Club has broken its silence, saying it wants Tokanui club supporters held accountable for racist comments made at a match between the teams earlier this month. In an official statement released yesterday, the club said racial slurs toward the team had not been addressed in any of the discussions after Rugby Southland Referees refused to provide officials for its game last weekend. The club admitted a supporter came on to the field twice to remonstrate with the referee but he was quickly ushered away by the team. The club said players of the predominantly Māori and Pacific Island Bluff team were frequently targets of derogatory remarks attacking their identity and culture. "We will not tolerate racism or discrimination. There is no place for it in our club, or in rugby as a whole." During the June 7 game, a Bluff club supporter was removed from the field after directing offensive language at the referee. The same person resumed their verbal tirade after the final whistle. "On both occasions, our team captain and senior player intervened immediately and the individual left without resistance. We are proud of how our players responded in the moment." The game between Bluff and Tokanui was the third Southland game in three weeks to experience referee-related issues, the statement said. "We are concerned about how this incident has been portrayed. The narrative that has emerged has led to public backlash and reputational harm, despite our efforts to address the matter appropriately at the time and engage constructively since." The statement said none of the club's players were involved yet they were unfortunately made an example of. "This decision opened the door to harmful and unfounded commentary, based more on assumption than fact. We are disappointed by how quickly a narrative took hold, one that does not reflect the actions or values of our club. This has highlighted deeper assumptions some may hold about our team and community, and we believe it's important to question and reflect on those. "We are also deeply concerned that racist comments made by some opposition supporters and players during the match have gone unaddressed. "While not the initial cause of conflict, these remarks contributed to the atmosphere of tension and hurt." The statement said the Bluff club remained committed to working with Rugby Southland and the referees' association. "Our players and club members, like our referees, are people too and their wellbeing is ours to protect. We hope the wider rugby community can move forward with ... respect, accountability, and unity." The club had stayed silent to let the truth come out but the false narrative now circulating had gone too far, it said. "We ask for fairness and understanding." The club's matches were recorded from kickoff to post-match handshakes, and anyone with concerns could view the footage. The Otago Daily Times has not been able to contact a Tokanui Rugby Club representative or Rugby Southland chief executive Hua Tamariki for their response to the Bluff club statement. Rugby Southland Referees chairman Andrew Rowland told the Otago Daily Times earlier this week regular spectator and coach misconduct reports were filed from all grades of the sport. "We deal with this every week. There probably aren't too many things that we haven't heard spoken to us over the years." Players' family members "are hearing people on the sideline calling them all sorts of names". A culture change was needed because the sport was being affected, Mr Rowland said.
Otago Daily Times
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Game deferred over abuse concerns
A Southland club rugby game was called off amid accusations of widespread use of derogatory racist, sexist and homophobic language. The division 1 game between Bluff and Pioneer was postponed on Saturday in Bluff, following incidents the previous weekend in a game between Tokanui and Bluff. A Bluff player, who declined to be named when contacted, said he was sick of attending games every week when racial abuse was directed at players from the sidelines and he believed the referee should have addressed it. Rugby Southland chief executive Hua Tamariki said in a statement released yesterday the decision to defer Bluff's game was not taken lightly. "As we began assessing information from the interested parties, a decision was made to defer a division 1 match that was scheduled for Saturday, June 14," he said. It was a joint decision between Rugby Southland and the Rugby Southland Referees Association to defer the game until all parties had been heard. Until then, the association was not prepared to provide an official for the June 14 match, he said. "[The decision to defer] was based off assessment of risk and how our members felt in terms of being able to officiate or safely provide an environment for that game to go ahead." Some of the affected parties met on Monday night and Mr Tamariki hoped an outcome would be reached once the Tokanui club had been spoken with. He declined to give details of what happened at the match in Tokanui. However, it is believed there were accusations of racist language aimed at the Bluff players by spectators at the game. Comments about the racial slurs and criticism of the referee's handling of the abuse were aired on social media. The referees' association got involved after comments were made about the referee. Then, last Friday, Rugby Southland decided to call the game off, wanting more information about what happened. Mr Tamariki said the incidents cited in filed reports were not isolated. "Across the club rugby season this year there has been some incidents in terms of unacceptable conduct, both in terms of club sidelines, players and, on some occasions, teams. "We're very mindful that our approach here is to acknowledge where we can do better as an organisation. "This situation, alongside two unrelated incidents in other Southland Wide competitions this year, has unfortunately brought to light examples of unacceptable behaviour that have no place in our sport. This includes inappropriate sideline conduct by spectators, players and teams involving derogatory language directed at individuals and teams based on race, gender, sexual preference and age." Rugby Southland Referees Association chairman Andrew Rowland said abusive behaviour had been building across multiple grades and was "not just one club". "The behaviour, it just needs to stop." Players as well as spectators shared the responsibility of changing the negative culture that was creeping into the sport at all levels. Mr Rowland hoped the June 7 incident would become a catalyst for change. "Respect is the cornerstone of all sport. "Unfortunately, sometimes passion can spill over. It crosses a line and that can then turn into abuse ... [which] undermines the value of everything the game stands for." — Additional reporting Steve Hepburn By Toni McDonald
Otago Daily Times
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Capacity crowd tipped
Capacity crowds are expected at the Southland Stags v Otago match on August 2. Rugby Southland head of commercial and business development Jack King said about 3000 tickets had already been allocated and 30% of the capped crowd limit was already gone. "We've set a target of 10,000 fans because we want Stag Day to be a genuine celebration of Southland rugby." "With sold-out hospo and tickets tracking well, and the buzz around this game, it's almost certain to sell out. Mr King urged fans to buy tickets early to avoid missing out. "The sooner we hit that target, the more confident we can be investing in making this an unforgettable experience." Outgoing Stags coach Matt Saunders said the fans made the day special. "You can feel that Southland pride when Rugby Park is packed. It lifts the boys and reminds us all why we do this. "We're hoping the community turns out in force, because their support is our edge."
Otago Daily Times
03-06-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Former Irish prop to coach stags
New Southland Stags coach Nathan White will have a hectic start to his provincial coaching career. White, a former Irish prop, who played for Waikato and the Chiefs, was named as co-coach for the side in something of a surprise move. He is expected in the South sometime later this month. No firm starting date could be provided. Rugby Southland in a statement last week said head of performance and Stags co-coach Matt Saunders was moving on. He was taking up an opportunity with Foodstuffs and operating the Otatara Four Square. Saunders, who had been in the role since 2022, previously operated the Tapanui Four Square. White is a former Toyota Verblitz forwards coach, having worked alongside former All Black coaches Ian Foster and Steve Hansen. White will be the co-coach with James Wilson. Union pathways manager Scott Eade has been promoted to assistant coach for the side, with responsibility for defence. Speaking on Saunders' departure, Rugby Southland chief executive Hua Tamariki acknowledged the mixed emotions within the organisation. "While we're gutted to see Matt go. He leaves with my full support and that of everyone involved in our union," Tamariki said. He said the timing was far from ideal, but the situation was outside Saunders' control. "We've had to act quickly to ensure we maintain continuity and momentum heading into this year's NPC campaign." Tamariki paid tribute to Saunders and said he was a steady and dependable leader. Eade had the full support of the union. "He's self-driven, an exceptional planner, and possesses a unique ability to connect with players across all levels. His inclusion in the Stags' coaching group was always a matter of when, not if," Tamariki said. Tamariki said White should fit in easily. "Originally from Waikato, Nathan has a deep connection to provincial rugby and will fit seamlessly into our community. His skills and leadership will be a great complement to James and the entire coaching group as we move closer to NPC kick-off." White played for Waikato and the Chiefs. In Ireland, he played for Leinster and Connacht. He played 13 tests for Ireland in 2015-16 before retiring because of concussion in 2016. He started his coaching career by helping out at Connacht. Rugby Southland also confirmed last year's forwards coach, Kane Thompson, would be unable to return in 2025 due to international coaching commitments with Manu Samoa. Daryl Thompson will be the set piece coach and Marty McKenzie the skills coach. Southland's first game of the NPC is against Otago in Invercargill on August 2.— APL
