North Otago Rugby Football Union Chief Executive Colin Jackson says the relationship with Meridian is invaluable.
“We are one of the smallest unions in New Zealand, but we are also one of the most successful. The support from Meridian plays a large part in our success,” he says.
The North Otago team is the current AA Heartland Champions and the provincial team has made the semi-finals or better every season for the past nine years.
Colin Jackson says their rugby development policy plays an important part in this.
“Rugby development is a major focus for our region. The support from Meridian will be used to fund our ongoing program to develop young players. We will undertake a number of initiatives to introduce young people to rugby including running intensive coaching clinics in schools,” he says.
The North Otago Rugby Football Union was formed in 1927 and is made up of six clubs; Athletic, Excelsior, Kurow, Maheno, Old Boys and Valley.
Meridian Sponsorship Manager Mel Seyfort says sponsoring North Otago Rugby is appropriate due to the important role rugby plays in the community.
“Rugby is a huge part of the lifestyle of the North Otago community. It is really something that everyone gets involved in and the Provincial Union is working extremely hard to increase junior and senior playing numbers,” she says.
“The region continues to over-achieve across the grades so we are delighted to be involved with such a valuable entity in the North Otago region,” she added.
Meridian has been involved with North Otago rugby since 2002.
“Meridian has had a long association with the Waitaki region through our hydro schemes. The contribution the community makes to the country’s electricity generation is invaluable. For this reason we are always keen to support community-based groups that benefit the whole region.
This is a special year for North Otago with a Ranfurly Shield challenge game against Auckland, in Oamaru, on the 22nd July.
The North Otago 2008 AA Rewards Heartland Championship season begins at home against Horowhenua Kapiti on 23 August.
For more information contact:
Mel Seyfort
Meridian Sponsorship Manager
021 645 875