Rugby

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Five games that stick in the mind from the Spirit’s 25 years

Otago second five Kilisitina Moata'ane scores one of her five tries in the Spirit’s 82-0 win over...

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Five games that stick in the mind from the Spirit’s 25 years

Thrillers, crushing victories, heart-breaking defeats — the Otago Spirit have seen it all over 25 years. Hayden Meikle highlights five memorable games.

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Selecting the best of the best since the start of the journey

One of the Otago Daily Times’ greatest Otago Spirit XV, Julia Gorinski. PHOTO: CASWELL IMAGES

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Selecting the best of the best since the start of the journey

A lot of players have worn the Otago Spirit jersey over the past 25 years. Selecting a greatest Spirit XV is no easy task, but sports editor Hayden Meikle thought he would give it a crack.

Narawa recalled, Holland on bench against Boks

Emoni Narawa has been recalled to the All Blacks for the first test against the Springboks, while a reshuffle in the loose forwards sees Highlander Fabian Holland in the reserves.

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Hollows proud every time she wears jersey

Tegan Hollows has loved playing for the Otago Spirit for the past 11 seasons. PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSH

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Hollows proud every time she wears jersey

Twenty-five years from now, Tegan Hollows hopes she will be sitting in the stands with her team-mates reminiscing about the good old days.

Physical presence of injured Ma’u to be missed

Injured tighthead prop Saula Ma’u looks on at Otago training at Logan Park yesterday. PHOTO:...

Physical presence of injured Ma’u to be missed

Otago will be missing their enforcer for the remainder of the season.

Lavanini set to bolster second row

Lavanini set to bolster second row

The Highlanders have bolstered their locking stocks with the signing of seasoned Argentinian forward Tomas Lavanini for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.

Injury forces change for Otago against Northland

Otago coach Mark Brown at a training session earlier this year. Photo: Peter McIntosh

Injury forces change for Otago against Northland

Otago have lost enforcer Saula Ma’u for the remainder of the season, which opens the door for Rohan Wingham to start at tighthead against Northland on Friday night.

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Imperfect, unpredictable: just how we like it

Burly Southland loose forward Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa charges forward during a successful Ranfurly...

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Imperfect, unpredictable: just how we like it

We are midway through the NPC round-robin and competition for those final few playoff spots shapes as intense, rugby reporter Adrian Seconi writes.

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Blue and gold opened eyes to Ferns dream

Kelly Brazier, 15 years old at the time, trains with the Otago Spirit in 2005. PHOTO: CRAIG...

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Blue and gold opened eyes to Ferns dream

Kelly Brazier has broken the glass ceiling when it comes to rugby.

ABs tap Wayne Smith for 'gold nuggets'

ABs tap Wayne Smith for 'gold nuggets' as Springboks showdown looms

The All Blacks are drawing on "gold nuggets" of wisdom from coaching guru Wayne Smith as they prepare for Saturday's clash against South Africa at Eden Park.

Former Highlander Shane Christie farewelled

Shane Christie in 2021. PHOTO: ODT FILES

'Rest easy, our great mate': Former Highlander Shane Christie farewelled

Former Highlander Shane Christie has been remembered as a courageous leader and a staunch advocate for rugby player welfare at his funeral service in Nelson today.

Hundreds turn out to welcome Stags and shield home

Hundreds turn out to welcome Stags and shield home

Hundreds of overjoyed scarlet and gold-bedecked fans crammed into Invercargill Airport’s arrivals area to welcome the triumphant Southland Stags rugby team home.

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Porter chuffed rugby now a gender-blind career option

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Porter chuffed rugby now a gender-blind career option

Hannah Porter has seen the growth in women’s rugby more than most.

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Camaraderie sticks in McKenzie’s mind

(clockwise from top left) Otago Spirit prop Margaret McKenzie in England at the 2025 Rugby World...

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Camaraderie sticks in McKenzie’s mind

Margaret McKenzie's name is synonymous with the Otago Spirit. Kayla Hodge hears her memories.

Triumphant Stags bring Shield south

The Ranfurly Shield made the flight south to Invercargill today, with the triumphant Southland Stags team who won it last night from Waikato.

Fainga'anuku called in as Tavatavanawai, Roigard ruled out

Timoci Tavatavanawai will miss the All Blacks tests against South Africa through injury. Photo:...

Fainga'anuku called in as Tavatavanawai, Roigard ruled out

Halfback Cam Roigard and midfield back Timoci Tavatavanawai have been ruled out of both All Blacks home tests against the Springboks.

Black Ferns brush aside Japan

Black Ferns winger Portia Woodman-Wickliffe evades a tackle during their World Cup match against...

Black Ferns brush aside Japan

Portia Woodman-Wickliffe became New Zealand's highest outright try-scorer in test rugby as the Black Ferns cast aside Japan 62-19 at the Rugby World Cup.