Steve Hepburn

Lock Hayden Triggs says he is eying a move to the Chiefs, although he has not yet signed a contract to move north.

New Otago fullback Chris Small has been through plenty in the blue and gold jersey and he has played only two games.

Jamie Joseph's last game in charge of Wellington will be at his new home, and his new assistant at the Highlanders should be known in a couple of days.

Even Stephen King could not pen something this ghastly, this painful and this darn sad.

David Latta says he cannot compare his two heartbreaking moments of trying to win the Ranfurly Shield.

He may be an Australian but Otago coach Phil Mooney is completely aware of the Ranfurly Shield.

Still trucking along at 36 and Kees Meeuws says he is feeling as good as ever.

Otago loose forward Adam Thomson and outside back Ben Smith have been picked for the Commonwealth Games sevens team.

When you talk to David Latta about Ranfurly Shield challenges, the conversation inevitably leads to one moment.

Rugby is said to be a hooligans' game played by gentlemen, but those gentlemen, both playing and watching, appear to have been crossing the line. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn checks the climate on and off the paddock.

Surf life-saving clubs in the south have decided to go along with a national plan which will spell the end of the Otago district and the formation of a larger South Island region.

The honeymoon is over, and now it is all about the scoreboard.

It is itchy, he admits it does not look that great, and everyone wants him to get rid of it, but for Otago hooker Peter Mirrielees it is all about a dear little girl.

Otago first five-eighth Chris Noakes is out of the opening ITM Cup game against Counties-Manukau and his immediate playing future is in doubt.