Oh baby, what a special day!

A Southland rugby family picked up an extra player 10 days ago, leading to an unexpected double celebratory double.

Wyndham prop Brad Shaw said plans were neatly in place for his club of 20 years to mark his 200th game — against old rivals Edendale — when wife Dana went into labour with their third child on May 18.

Fortunately — about 2.30am — there were a few hours before he was scheduled to run out to the sound of bagpipes played by son Jack, 8, but Mr Shaw said he gave the midwife a hurry-along nonetheless.

"We’d had about two hours’ sleep when contractions started, so we headed to Southland Hospital and got Dana comfy.

"I told our midwife she had till lunchtime to get the baby out, because we were all off to the rugby at that point."

In the event, daughter Marlee was born at 8.49am, allowing the family to spend some time together before heading pitch-side for the day’s second celebration.

Mrs Shaw said, despite being tempted to sneak along for the special match, she remained in a warm place with baby Marlee.

"I’d had my other two [children, Quinn, 7, and Jack] early as well, so it was kind of expected Marlee might come along early.

"But when I started getting contractions overnight Friday, it was a case of ‘here we go’."

She said she was "more than happy" to let her family head off to the landmark match for her husband — known as "Spud" to his team-mates.

"We’re all extremely proud of his dedication to the club he loves.

"He started there in 2004 aged 18, and he’s embraced every part of Wyndham RFC. He’s been away for a couple of spells at Eastern Hawks and playing overseas in Holland and Germany, but Wyndham has always been where our family’s heart lies."

Mr Shaw said it had been a special moment to be piped on to the pitch by his son.

"Once the birth had all gone smoothly, it kind of made me a bit more relaxed about everything.

"To have the wee fellah playing the bagpipes for my 200th game, I can tell you there was a tear not just in my eye, but a few of the players’. That definitely got to a few of us.

"It was a bit of a relief to hear the whistle and focus on the game, and just to get through after only a couple of hours’ sleep."

Mr Shaw said the match was drawn 20-20, making it a day of doubles all round.

Although it was too early to tell where baby Marlee’s talents might lie, Mr Shaw was not immune to being a little superstitious.

"Maybe rugby will be her game. We’ll have to see."