Steve Hepburn

Project Donald took a big step forward on Saturday night with a ringing recommendation by the teacher, although the man himself is a little more reserved.

Otago Rugby Academy manager Ian Arthur finished up after 11 years with the union yesterday. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn caught up with Arthur and discussed some truths and half-truths about the academy.

It was a game most Otago people would love to forget but probably never will.

The Arrowtown Rugby Football Club has been blocked from fielding a former professional player in the semifinal of the Otago Central rugby competition today.

The Highlanders should have a new board in place in the next two to four weeks but chief executive Richard Reid says the franchise is not going anywhere soon.

The easy matches have been negotiated. Now the serious examination begins.

Financial constraints in European rugby, a need for experience in the Otago engine room and a desire to come home have led Kees Meeuws back into Otago colours.

Otago will put out a near full-strength side in Nelson tomorrow as it starts to get serious against its first high-quality opponent of the pre-season.

Otago is ahead of where it was at the corresponding time last year, Otago assistant coach Bruce Carvell says.

Jordan Donaldson is starting off her international sporting career at a young age.

Inside eight rounds. That is Shane Cameron's prediction for his fight against David Tua in October.

Former Otago and All Black prop Kees Meeuws is believed to have had his contract with Welsh club Llanelli Scarlets terminated, and may be heading back to Dunedin.

A collision with Otago winger Karne Hesketh may have put All Black winger Rudi Wulf out of tomorrow night's test.

The chance for revenge has been dismissed. Many of the stars will be sitting on the sofa or in the stand. It is one of the greenest sides to wear the All Black jersey.

It took a while to warm to its task but the Otago trial yesterday at a University Oval ground threw up plenty of promise and showed enterprise is alive and well in the province.

All Blacks and Otago flanker Adam Thomson is out for six weeks after it was revealed he played most of Saturday night's test against France at Carisbrook with a broken bone in his hand.