In a season marred by relentless rain, biting cold, and a glaring lack of sunshine, rugby fields across Southland have taken a biblical beating, unseen in recent memory. As fields turned to quagmires and pitches to puddles, the threat of widespread cancellations loomed large over our beloved sport. Enter the godsend that is ILT Centrepoint Oreti Park – a nationally recognized facility that has become nothing short of a lifeline for rugby in Southland.

The ILT Centrepoint Oreti Park boasts five senior fields, including the illustrious Les George Oval, arguably Southland's best pitch. These fields, renowned for their sandy composition, have stood resilient in the face of unprecedented weather. Without this facility, the scene for rugby in Southland would have been bleak. Many clubs, both senior and junior, would have faced cancellations over the past few weeks, stripping our community of the sport that brings us together and enriches our weekends.

Yet, the facility’s resilience doesn’t mean it looks after itself. The behind-the-scenes hero of this story is Pete Domigan, the dedicated groundsman whose countless hours of work ensure the grass remains lush, the lines are crisply marked, the pads and flags are in place, and the rubbish bins are ready. Pete’s tireless efforts are the unsung verses in the anthem of our rugby season.

Over the past two weekends alone, ILT Centrepoint Oreti Park has hosted over 50 games of rugby. The reinstallation of Rippa Fields at the Oreti Beach end of the facility by Rugby Southland has revived the venue as a bustling hub of activity. Teams from senior club divisions, junior rippa leagues, A-grade, and teenage secondary school competitions have all found sanctuary here. Approximately 2,500 people have gathered at the grounds in recent weeks, a testament to the facility’s vital role in our rugby community.

This season, however, hasn’t been without its challenges. Recent water issues turned our sandy savior into a bane. The underground bore, while usually a reliable source, repeatedly clogged the gas califonts with sand. Enter the resilient rugby community! With the combined efforts of Harvey Tanks, Laser Plumbing, Harrington Electrical, and Marshall Industries, a new tank was installed, getting the water and showers back up and running. Next time you appreciate a hot shower after a grueling match, remember the local heroes who made it possible.

A special thanks must also go to the Invercargill City Council, which continues to support us by allowing the venue to operate. Their cooperation and backing have been crucial in maintaining the facility’s availability and ensuring that rugby in Southland can weather the storm.

The facility's success is also heavily funded by community rugby subscriptions and generous contributions from organizations like the ILT Foundation and Community Trust South. Their financial support ensures that ILT Centrepoint Oreti Park remains a top-tier venue, accessible to all levels of rugby in the region.

With playoff footy and the Phillips Group Representative Season on the horizon, the value of ILT Centrepoint Oreti Park is about to reach its highest point in many years. As we gear up for these exciting fixtures, the facility’s importance to the rugby public cannot be overstated. It will be the stage where champions are crowned and memories are made.

ILT Centrepoint Oreti Park is more than just a series of fields; it’s the beating heart of rugby in Southland during these trying times. The facility’s availability has ensured that our local clubs continue to play, compete, and grow despite the harsh winter. It has provided a stage where our athletes can shine, our community can come together, and the spirit of rugby can thrive.

So, next time you see a game being played at ILT Centrepoint Oreti Park, take a moment to appreciate the facility we are fortunate to have. It’s a space many unions across the country wish they could call their own. Be proud of this jewel in our crown, and remember the hard work and dedication that keep it in pristine condition. Thanks to ILT Centrepoint Oreti Park, the Invercargill City Council, our dedicated local businesses, and the essential funding from community rugby subscriptions, the ILT Foundation, and Community Trust South, rugby in Southland remains robust, vibrant, and unstoppable, no matter what the weather throws our way.

Article added: Tuesday 25 June 2024