‘Might be a bit of a switch’ after tour

A twin trophy tour might just tip the balance from ballet to rugby for one prospective future player.

Stirling youngster Charlotte Begg, 6, and dad Andrew received a special visit at their Mt Wallace farm from Otago Rugby representatives showing off the province’s new silverware to fans yesterday.

The regional tour follows a vintage weekend for Otago rugby, as both men’s and women’s provincial teams pulled out all the stops to secure the Ranfurly Shield and Farah Palmer Cup championship respectively.

Mr Begg said, although his 9-year-old son Adam was the bigger rugby fan in the household, daughter Charlotte was eager to follow in the footsteps of the many South Otago women who played for the Spirit.

However, there was a big decision to be made first, he said.

"Unfortunately, Charlotte also loves her ballet, which takes place on Saturday mornings, like rugby. But she’s beaming after meeting the players and holding the trophy today, so at some point there might be a bit of a switch."

He said his grandfather Charlie Willocks had played for Otago, and the All Blacks.

"I’m pretty sure he took part in at least one Shield defence, so it’s very cool to see it here on the farm."

Andrew Begg, daughter Charlotte, 6, and dog Patch, out on their farm at Mt Wallace near Stirling, wield the Ranfurly Shield and Farah Palmer Cup during Otago Rugby’s celebratory tour of South Otago yesterday. PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSH

Blue-and-gold fans were thrilled after the Otago men fought back from a 24-14 halftime deficit to secure a 38-36 win — and the Ranfurly Shield — against old enemy Canterbury in Christchurch on Saturday.

Things got better still when Otago Spirit won their home final 37-12 against the Northland Kauri, in the Farah Palmer Cup championship final on Sunday, earning promotion to the premiership.

Otago will be eager to defeat the visiting North Harbour in their final match on Saturday, which would allow the province to retain the Shield till next season.

Green Island Rugby Football Club chairman Brendon Hollows said it was fantastic to have the Shield at the club, particularly as it was accompanied by Otago and Green Island players Jake Te Hiwi and Finn Hurley.

Mr Hollows said he was pleased Otago won the Shield during the school holidays so children could see it and meet the players.

He hoped the team would successfully defend it on Saturday, "so hopefully we’ve got it for the summer".