Thank you, North Otago Rugby and friends!  

On Saturday 21 September our friends at North Otago Rugby Football Union (NORFU) hosted a special day of rugby at Weston Sports Ground to raise awareness and vital funds for MND. The day kicked off with a North Otago v Mid Canterbury match, with the NORFU team running out in special charity branded one-off jerseys, which were auctioned later in the day.  

We were absolutely blown away by the amazing community spirit and strong community connection to MND – there was visible emotion and determination from the NORFU crowd to make a difference to people with MND. Several people with MND from the Canterbury region made their way to the game, and there was a lovely atmosphere of support and understanding.  

The teams put on a thrilling display of rugby, with Mid Canterbury edging out NORFU in a fiercely contested match. However, the biggest win of the day was off the field, with an incredible $10,000 raised for MND NZ at the charity auction and a sizeable donation from the Oamaru Club. 

This support will go a long way in helping Kiwis living with motor neurone disease and supporting vital research. 

There will be a prize giving on November 22 where the remainder of the jerseys will be auctioned, as well as a leaf blower donated by Bunnings Timaru.  

Visit the NORFU Instagram page for photos and auction information, or watch the SKY Sports highlight video.