Sean Romans is eager to be a starting Otago halfback and wear the blue and gold jersey, like his father, Mark.
Mark Romans played 18 games for the Otago team in the mid-1970s, with 10 of those games in the strong 1975 side.
But the youngest Romans can not rely on his memory for information on how to emulate his father's play.
"I never actually saw him play. But from what I was told, he was a good footy player," he said.
"He still comes down every couple of weeks and gives his opinion on things to work on.
"He was known for having a good passing game and being quite good tactically, and maybe those are my strengths, as well.
"I never get sick of people comparing me to my father."
Romans (23) had his first start in the Otago jersey in the Hawkes Bay match on August 29 at Carisbrook, and though the side lost, Romans was happy with his own performance but said there was still plenty to work on.
"I have those things to work on as a young player coming through. Just being a lot more dominant and following the game plan. Getting the ball in front of the forwards. I'm used to it in club play, so now I just have to do it at a higher level."
Romans, who has played five years for the University A side, wants to get more game time, and he is pushing incumbent halfback Toby Morland hard.
He said the step-up to first-class play from club level was not so much about an increase in pace of the game, but more about the calibre of player he was facing.
Romans, who hails from Geraldine, has graduated from the University of Otago as a bachelor of science, majoring in psychology, but for the moment he is happy to look for a future in rugby.
He has worked part-time at Kings High School this year, mentoring pupils, so teaching could be a career.
"But both my parents are teachers and I swore I would never do it. But that is always an option.
"I've always been interested in how things happen and why they worked out that way."
He did not rule out a career as a sports psychologist but for now the goals were rugby-related, with a Super 14 contract high on the agenda.
Being in a winning Otago side would boost his chances.
