October 21st 2025: Otago Rugby 2025

Earlier this year, I was asked to photograph the Otago Rugby team portraits for both the NPC and FPC teams and staff. It was a huge job with a studio set up in three different locations. Over three days, I photographed almost 100 portraits in various styles. 

What struck me at the time was the energy and sense of fun from the women's Otago Spirit team. They were all about having a good time playing rugby together, and you could already sense they'd meshed as a team. It was no surprise to watch them dominate the Farah Palmer Cup championship and to take the overall title. 

With the men's team, it was the young age of many of the players that hit me. Some of these guys had been to school with my own kids. 

It was a youthful team underpinned by some seriously experienced players and a mix that might have proven to be a development season ... or a master stroke. As the season got underway, it became very evident that it was the latter. And as the season progressed, that magic just got better. 

Last Friday night, I got to watch the team in full flight in their semi-final against the Bay of Plenty – also a strong team. The spectacle that unfolded under the roof at Forsyth Barr Stadium was akin to the legendary performances inside the House of Pain. Like those momentous occasions at Carisbrook, the crowd had its own part to play in the outcome. Loud and parochial, the vibe does not get better. 

The game's early arm wrestle quickly became one-way traffic. The players, the staff, the crowd, the occasion ... it all added up to an incredible win. And it chalked another chapter in a season that will hold a special place in the history books of Otago Rugby.

This Saturday, October 25, at 4:05pm, the team will start their final – a battle against Canterbury at Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch. Let the road trips begin ... this will be a piece of history you'll want to witness. 

See you at the beach ... Derek

PS A legendary surfer passed away in Otago this past weekend, leaving behind his beloved wife, family, friends, and community. Originally from up in Northland, Dermot Forde had been living in Otago for the past five years but had surfed here many times throughout his 63 years. A founding member of Māori Bay Board Riders Club, Derm was attracted to Otago for its waves, mountain biking, hunting and the simple life. He was no ordinary surfer. He lived for the big days when most people scurried for cover. He didn't care if it was howling onshore either. He loved it wild, marginal, and so he often surfed alone. When you did surf with him, he left you feeling full of energy and stoke – his generous nature was contagious. Even at 63, he was like a grommet in the lineup and carpark chats. That character, and his legendary feats in the surf, are why he touched so many people throughout the surf community here in New Zealand. He's going to be incredibly missed. His funeral will be held at the Brighton Beach Surf Club on Wednesday at 11am. RIP Derm and thanks for always bringing the sunshine ...