Steve Hepburn

The Otago women's sevens team will be looking to grow from its impressive showing at its last hit-out when it plays at the national tournament in Rotorua this weekend.

Barry Stevens is the new North Otago coach, returning to the province he once played for.

Former Otago and All Black prop Carl Hayman is to hang up his boots and will eventually head home - but it may be some time before he lands on these shores.

The Otago Rugby Football Union is looking at replacing one of most experienced board members while its deputy chairman is leaning towards continuing.

Rampaging loose forward TJ Ioane has made an immediate impact for his new side in the English premiership.

Every weekend, sport is played out in the fields of Otago. Reporting from South Otago for more than a decade for the Otago Daily Times has been Norman Woods. Steve Hepburn catches up with Woods on a beautiful clear South Otago day.

If there is one sector of one sport that is sure to spike interest, it is first XV rugby. The man who is ultimately in charge of the sport in New Zealand is Dunedin's Garry Chronican, who has been in the top job for 12 years. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn catches up with him for a chat.

The Highlanders have posted a $57,000 profit for the past year on the back of what it says are good crowds.

Glenn Sutton tamed Death Valley.

The Highlanders have begun their two-week Christmas break, as the start of the serious stuff looms closer.

Otago will be missing two of its key players at next month's national sevens tournament.

The skull and bones flies high above the Caledonian Bowling Club, reflecting the sentiments of those below who feel they have been pillaged by the pirates.

Dan Carter is off to France but what will be his legacy? Rugby writer Steve Hepburn asks three questions about the man from Southbridge.

Sports clubs are set to take a financial ''hammering'' from new drink-drive laws, with most now offering low-alcohol beer and others buying breathalysers.

They are paid to tackle, pass and run.

A couple of wins in Morocco by a team from Auckland is going to give football's flagship team in the South a significant financial boost, raising its income by more than 50%.