Debuts Signal Development in 2020
The 2020 North Otago Representative season has been an interesting one in many regards. Due to COVID-19 implications and alert level restrictions, to get a season played in 2020 is an achievement in it's own regard. With the announcement by NZ Rugby earlier in 2020, that the Heartland Championship would not be played in 2020, it was up to individual unions to organize their own representative matches. In doing so, this provided North Otago with the opportunity to blood some new talent and develop some of the promising younger local players from all six of our premier club sides.
In all, 17 players made their first class debuts for North Otago in 2020. A good selection of these players are in their first full season of senior rugby, having progressed from secondary school rugby in 2019. The opportunity to add so many youthful players, after their first season of senior club rugby, is unique and signals the intent to develop promising young talent.
"Absolutely brilliant that this year has given us the opportunity to blood young and promising club players, and given them a taste of first class rugby."
"Our rugby future looks bright, and we hope that we have given debuts to future North Otago rugby stars."
"Bring on 2021!"
- North Otago Rugby CEO, Colin Jackson
Ben McCarthy - Halfback (1 Match)
A product of St Kevin's College, and a member of the 2019 Maheno side, McCarthy returned to North Otago for a one-off appearance as a loan player from the Alhambra-Union club in Dunedin. A gutsy young halfback/first-five who showed plenty of promise against Canterbury in the Ranfurly Shield challenge.
Cameron Rowland - Flanker (5 Matches)
Valley captain Cameron Rowland featured in every game for North Otago in 2020, putting in strong performances at flanker while also providing leadership during the injury enforced absence of regular skipper Sam Sturgess.
Sione Kavatoe - Wing (2 Matches)
Old Boys outside back Sione Kavatoe is a strong ball carrier who made use of his size out wide in his 2 matches for North Otago in 2020, scoring the crucial match winning try against Otago Country in Twizel.
Josh Phipps - Fullback (4 Matches)
English fullback Josh Phipps continued on from his strong performances for Excelsior in the 2020 Citizens Shield, providing good counter attack and a strong boot in the gold jersey. Phipps made his debut for North Otago against Canterbury in the Ranfurly Shield challenge, and went on to play a further 3 matches.
Jack Kelly - Hooker (5 Matches)
Aussie Jack Kelly contributed well to the North Otago effort in 2020. The Kurow Hooker played in all 5 matches for the Old Golds, making his debut against Canterbury in the Ranfurly Shield challenge.
Epineri Logavatu - Lock (2 Matches)
Athletic-Marist lock Epineri Logavatu was rewarded for some solid club games this season. Epi will take a lot out of this year and will be one to watch within club rugby next year.
Mataitini Feke - Halfback (1 Match)
Tini started off with a bang against Otago Country and was a standout player in that match. A switch to go play rugby league unfortunately cut his time in the team short, although he has a lot of potential and it will be interesting to see if he's still around next season.
Kurt Thomas - (1 Match)
Kurt only played the one game for North Otago, against South Canterbury in Oamaru. The Kurow hooker does his core role really well, and has a good physical side to his game.
Samuela Babiau - Prop (2 Matches)
Versatile Excelsior player Samuela Babiau was rewarded after some standout performances in a club side that struggled for numbers this year. Only managed two matches before deciding to play rugby league.
Ben Paton - Centre (3 Matches)
A standout in the Waitaki Boys' First XV in 2019, while also contributing to the leadership of the squad. Ben Paton was one of the form backs in the 2020 Citizens Shield, for champion club Valley. His form was rewarded with selection in the North Otago squad, making 3 appearances in total.
Jake Matthews - First five (4 Matches)
Versatility is a key asset to Jake Matthews game, with the ability to cover both first five and halfback positions. The former Waitaki Boys' First XV pivot was strong for his champion club side Valley in 2020, continuing that form in his 4 matches for North Otago this season.
Jacob Day - Centre/Wing (3 Matches)
Maheno midfielder Jacob Day has grown as a player in recent seasons, with his form in the 2020 Citizens Shield earning him a call-up to the North Otago team for the final 3 matches of the season. Day was used primarily on the wing for North Otago.
Oliver Kinzett - Lock (3 Matches)
Young lock Oliver Kinzett was one of the standouts for a rejuvenated Atheletic-Marist side in the 2020 Citizens Shield. The 2019 Waitaki Boys' First XV Captain featured in 3 matches for North Otago in 2020.
Tarn Crow - Halfback (2 Matches)
A product of St Kevin's College, Tarn has great a work ethic and attitude. Still learning his trade at halfback, although he put in a couple of solid performances. Just unlucky to miss the last game due to illness.
Blake Welsh - Lock (3 Matches)
Former Waitaki Boys' High School First XV player, Blake Welsh was a big part of the 2020 Citizens Shield winning side Valley. Another young lock that proved he is up to heartland level if he wants to be.
Tayne Russell - Flanker (2 Matches)
Loose forward Tayne Russell backed up the versatility he showed for his club side Excelsior in the 2020 Citizens Shield, providing cover at both flanker and wing for North Otago during the 2020 campaign.
Taine Stirling - Fullback/Wing (1 Match)
Another from the Waitaki Boys' High School First XV of 2019, Taine Stirling is a strong running outside back with good speed and the ability to stay strong in the tackle. Stirling made his debut off the bench against South Canterbury in Timaru, in the last match of the season.
Glen Robertson - Halfback
A late call-up for the final match against South Canterbury in Timaru, Glen Robertson provided extra cover at halfback. Robertson has been a solid club player for Kurow in the Citizens Shield in recent seasons.
