Steve Hepburn

Withdrawals have been few and far between for the national mixed pairs tournament which started in Central Otago yesterday.

North Otago lost 10 wickets for 41 runs to once again lose the Hawke Cup in its first defence.

Dunedin's Mike Kernaghan fell at the final hurdle in the men’s fours final at the national fours championships in Alexandra yesterday.

The sports calendar was turned upside down yesterday and events across the country were either pulled or put on hold as Covid-19 restrictions come into play.

Connor Garden-Bachop fulfilled a childhood dream when he starred for the Highlanders last Friday night.

North Otago is well and truly on the back foot of the first day of its opening Hawke Cup defence in Oamaru.

Same old ruthless Crusaders.

Back after two years away and Liam Squire admitted it was great to get out on the field.

Central and local government are in discussions about the land where the Forbury Park Trotting Club sits and announcements about its fate will be made in the next few weeks.

The Highlanders were a new breed last year. They are a new breed again this year.

For most, 2020 was a year to forget.

Bryn Evans has gone from one melting pot to another.

Irish lock Jack Regan has survived a pandemic and taken an opportunity with both hands, earning a start for the Highlanders tomorrow night.

The premier club season will start on April 10 and finish on July 31, knocking out the Otago representative players from the business end of the season.

Super Rugby Aotearoa kicks off this Friday night — a month later than last year. Rugby writer  Steve Hepburn looks at the chances of the Blues and the Chiefs.

Devon Conway — glad he did not go home to South Africa last winter.

The pre-season is over - thoughts and minds now turn to the real business in Super Rugby Aotearoa.