Otago Rugby

Rugby League has slipped back in the city after a promising rebirth a couple of years ago.

Otago will take on its neighbour and southern rival, Southland, at next month's national sevens tournament in Queenstown.

A schoolboy, two brothers and a lack of a halfback are features of the list of Otago contracted players announced yesterday.

Average. In a way, that word sums up Otago's season.

Tony Brown is still enjoying rugby and is not quite ready to hang up his boots.

Ben Atiga's rugby fortunes took a tumble after the 2003 World Cup and he is still trying to regain the form that made him one of the most promising players in the world.

He may be only a new boy in the Otago team but Gareth Evans derived just as much pleasure as anyone when Otago ended its long losing drought against Auckland last week.

A win at Eden Park - finally. Otago broke a generation-long drought last night when it beat Auckland 32-25 at Eden Park.

Phil Mooney might still have the Australian accent but he knows all about the significance of an Otago win at Eden Park.

We've learned with Auckland rugby teams over the years that it is never over till the Fat Lady sings. Last night she finally sang and all of Otago sang with her.