Steve Hepburn

One All Black will be gone next week but another may return.

Elliot Dixon will be back for the Highlanders next year and beyond, while midfielder Tei Walden has also signed on for another couple of seasons.

He may be only a few months younger than the head coach but as long as the desire and want is there, Alex Ainley will keep turning up.

Everyone this side of the Tasman is talking about it.

The Highlanders are on the hunt for a seasoned first five-eighth to fill the boots of the departing Lima Sopoaga. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn takes a look at some contenders.

Some tall timber has arrived in the South.

A brawl which led to a red card handed out to a player who was not actually playing in a club game in South Otago will be investigated by authorities.

The Southern Steel has had plenty of time for reflection, having entered uncharted territory.

Elliot Dixon is set to leave New Zealand and join the Ricoh Black Rams in Japan after the Super Rugby season.

Those Lions — they sure are big.

Hayden Parker became the highest-scoring New Zealander in a single Super Rugby match — but it was not for a New Zealand team.

Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger is still searching for the perfect 80-minute performance but there were more encouraging signs from his team on Saturday night.

The Highlanders have won a rugged encounter against the Lions at Forsyth Barr Stadium tonight.

The Dunedin marathon will no longer finish in Port Chalmers, instead terminating at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

There is Ben Smith, All Black and Highlanders fullback.

Otago has signed three players for the coming year but says it is still looking for local players to fill spots in the squad.

The statistics never lie.

Ideas ranging from a club of origin game to creating more sports hubs have been floated as a way to keep players engaged in rugby.

The Highlanders have fought off what they term a very aggressive overseas market and signed two key players for next season.

Another day and another Super Rugby rumour.