Steve Hepburn

Next year's Highlanders will have the lowest representation from the South since the club's inception - including not one player from Southland.

Every player needs it. But then again every player has to take it.

The North Otago Rugby Referees Association is pursuing an appeal into what it says were manifestly light punishments for incidents this season.

Arrowtown's Laura Hoskin is left to fly the southern flag this weekend at the New Zealand amateur championships at the Wairakei course near Taupo.

In the end it was a no-brainer for Marty Banks - come back home and play for a team he loves.

The North Otago Rugby Football Union has lost three of the four members of its board although the union says nothing is amiss.

The new Otago Racing Club general manager has hit the ground running.

The Highlanders squad for the 2019 season will be named today and it is probably the most predictable Highlanders squad of all.

The Otago union wants to host Southland next year in its first home game of the Mitre 10 Cup which will also double as a Ranfurly Shield challenge.

Otago rugby has signed three of its most exciting talents for the next two years.

Was Otago’s season one of achievement or one of disappointment? Rugby writer Steve Hepburn picks over the carcass and gives his take.

Steve Hepburn reviews Murdoch: The All Black Who Never Returned by Ron Palenski. Published by Upstart Press.

Several southern athletes have been picked up in a national scheme to try to find the next sevens stars, including a rower from Oamaru who has come out of left field.

Gareth Weatherston first started playing at Miller Park as a 5-year-old.

Otago should look back on its season with plenty of satisfaction but that does not make the pain of last night’s loss any better.

Hey — at least Otago has the shield.

This is the crescendo - and Otago is taking that approach.

Otago assistant coach Tom Donnelly believes himself and those he coaches have made huge strides this season.

It all comes down to certain players in big games. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn looks at three players from each side who could be difference in tonight's final in Hamilton.