Steve Hepburn

Opportunity knocks for players as the Highlanders get their 2018 season under way in Queenstown today.

He has come from one end of earth to the other.

Every sport needs volunteers.

The duel for the Highlanders midfield gets its first hit-out this Friday night and is shaping up as an intriguing contest.

A line has been drawn through last year's triumphant season and it is full steam ahead for the Steel.

Taieri came up short in the knockout final at Brooklands on Sunday and it is North East Valley that will head to the national club championships at the end of the season.

A new complaints service hatched by New Zealand Rugby will cover all levels of the game but the national body is confident it will not result in a witch-hunt of players.

Jimmy Neesham showed on Saturday what a class player he is.

Some days it just does not happen.

Otago has been beaten in a Ford Trophy match in Dunedin today.

The Japanese challenge looms large for the New Zealand Open in March.

The Otago Sparks made a disappointing start to its three-game stint in Oamaru, going down to the Central Hinds last night.

Most clubs support the changes brought into the premier club competition although there are concerns the finals may be weakened.

In the end, Dunedin bowler Mike Kernaghan had to answer to one man — himself.

The next few weeks could make or break the Otago season as the side looks to get into finals contention.

The Dunedin premier club competition will start in March and finish in August but the Otago-contracted players will not play at the business end of the season.

Time has flown by for Black Sticks forward Hugo Inglis but the southern man has no plans to slow down any time soon.

They are here to learn and soak up the sun. So far they have ticked the box on both accounts.

The North Otago Legends tour event, scheduled for next month, is bursting at the seams.

The Highlanders are not turning their back on Invercargill and will play a big match in the city next year.