Steve Hepburn

Once Mathew Berquist looked as though he was going to be a star on Carisbrook.

It has been a whirlwind year for Adam Thomson. From Highlanders squad member to All Black loose forward, his rugby career has been all action in the past six months.

All Black Jimmy Cowan, facing the possible termination of his professional rugby playing contract, has difficulties with alcohol, says All Blacks manager Darren Shand.

Otago coach Mike Hesson has been appointed New Zealand A coach.

The North Otago Penguins have an impressive record to maintain in the national conference basketball league finals in Wellington, which start tomorrow.

Otago won just one game in a warm-up tournament over the weekend, with coach Georgie Salter saying there was plenty to work on.

This was ugly.

Otago coach Steve Martin says it is better to win ugly than to lose pretty.

Otago defender Katrina Grant is stoked to make the Silver Ferns playing squad, almost as impressed as her parents.

Otago rugby is "actively" chasing Northland winger Fetu'u Vainikolo.

Otago is making its first trip to the North Island this season and is playing a rare Thursday night game, but for coach Steve Martin the story remains the same.

Otago has made just one change to its side for its game against Counties-Manukau tomorrow night.

All Blacks loose forward Adam Thomson may make a fleeting appearance in an Otago jersey next week.

Debbie Hill has just landed her first job and now she is a national captain.

One player does not make a team. So the coaches say.

It was not pretty but Otago did enough to beat Northland at Carisbrook in Dunedin last night.

Manawatu, missing out on Hurricanes games, has laid the welcome mat out for the Highlanders and wants the southern franchise to play a game in Palmerston North.