Steve Hepburn

Greg Henderson is back on the bike but sports reporter Steve Hepburn finds the former Dunedin rider is this week thinking more about next year than winning on Southland roads.

North Otago captain Luke Herden believes many of his side can go to the next level, although he says being able to mix work and play has real benefits.

Motocross rider Ben Townley has competed all around the world but says racing at Carisbrook later this month will be something special.

Super 15 rugby is heading to Balclutha.

If it was the final chapter in the lengthy career of Ross Hay, then it was a memorable way to go out.

Otago coach Phil Mooney says it would be an understatement to call this season extremely disappointing and says the union has to be proactive in recruiting players.

You know times are tough when a professional rugby side has to practise catching and passing at training; when the side's two best players cannot do even a simple draw and pass in one game, butchering a golden try-scoring opportunity.

Otago deputy chairman Laurie Mains cannot name any new players yet but says it is looking very promising that the union will have new talent next year.

The All Black side to tour the northern hemisphere, and to stop in Hong Kong on the way to play the Australians, will be named tomorrow night. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn looks at a possible squad and who, if anyone, will receive a new cap.

Otago coach Phil Mooney says he has every intention of seeing his contract through and he has lost none of his enthusiasm for the job.

The Highlanders are due to be named next month, under new coach Jamie Joseph for the first time. But how many of the 32 players will come from Otago? Rugby writer Steve Hepburn looks at the chances of those in blue and gold of making the side.

Waikato took its chances, the visitors butchered theirs, and Otago came up a distant second in Hamilton last night.

All Black lock Tom Donnelly will be back in the blue and gold this week in his only appearance for Otago this season.

It was nail-biting stuff but the home side did enough to triumph at Littlebourne yesterday.

Chris Noakes is feeling like most of those watching Otago this season - frustrated and disappointed.

It was gutsy, it was brave but, in the end, the bigger, stronger and faster boys came out on top.

The wildlife in the paddocks around John McGlashan College pupil Grant Ramsay's residence must have a short lifespan in the holiday