He is the caboose in the Taieri pack and the inspirational leader who has helped his side win three titles during the last four years.
And this Saturday - fitness permitting - bustling No 8 Charlie O'Connell will bring up 100 games for his club at Peter Johnstone Park.
The game against University A shapes as a grand occasion for the 28-year-old sales representative.
O'Connell, who has played 30 games for Otago, is contemplating hanging up his boots at the end of the season.
He got married a month ago and has started thinking about life after rugby.
That means starting a family and preserving the body he throws around every winter. But that does not mean taking it easy in his 100th game.
''It is pretty special,'' O'Connell said.
''It is the club I played junior football for, so to come back from overseas and be a part of the club's progression has been something special.''
O'Connell has been instrumental in Taieri's rise from toiler to juggernaut but is quick to deflect the praise.
''There are a lot of reasons why the club has been successful over the years. It is not just one person, it is a combination of a lot of people who are passionate about the club and have put a lot of time and effort into it. If I have managed to help in some way, then that is a good thing.''
Taieri enjoys wonderful support. Most home games are well attended and the crowd are loyal.
''Having that community base and that community support is something we take real pride in.
''That is a big part of why the club has been so successful.''
Taieri initially struggled when it returned to the premier grade in 2009 but has been the team to beat during the past four seasons.
''One thing which has always been strong is the culture within the team and the environment at the club. It made those more challenging years not as challenging.
''Even though the results were not going our way on the field we were having an absolute ball off it.''
O'Connell is on record as saying this year is ''pretty much it''. He wants to finish on a high and that means a fourth title.
''It would be really nice to end the season having defended our title and for me to have done my bit to make sure the club is in a good position.
''I'm at the stage in life where I'm thinking ahead and want to make sure I'm not a crippled old man, I suppose. But when I've got through playing I think there are other aspects of the game I can get that equal enjoyment out of, be that coaching or whatever that is.''
