Steve Hepburn

Controversial cricketer Jesse Ryder has withdrawn from the New Zealand A squad for personal reasons.

Otago  got the draw it wanted in the crossover games of the ITM Cup, hosting the three other South Island sides in next year's competition.

Otago referees are continuing to develop while a former member of their ranks has taken a big step up in his career.

Like many, Robbie Rooster enjoys a trip to Central Otago.

The number of dispensations in the Highlanders First XV competition has risen by more than 500% since it started, with more players coming in from overseas.

Highlanders outside back Kurt Baker is hoping to take something from what has been a forgettable year.

The Highlanders squad will assemble tomorrow but there is already a batch of walking wounded.

Otago will take its first step into a new sevens campaign with a series of warm-up games against Southland in Balclutha today.

Otago backs Fa'asiu Fuatai and Tony Ensor have been named in the New Zealand sevens squad for the season.

Southern Steel chief executive Sue Clarke says changes in the format of the ANZ Championship can only make the competition more relevant and exciting.

Otago flanker Hugh Blake is off to Scotland and has the chance to play for that country, while midfield back Jayden Spence has picked up a deal to play in France.

King's High School is considering its future in the Highlanders First XV competition, while another school has questioned whether expanding the competition will raise the standard.

The Highlanders are heading back to Invercargill, and playing a game overseas as early as 2016 is a serious option.

A rugby career that started with an inter-college game in her first year at university in Dunedin has reached another peak for Farah Palmer with election into the IRB hall of fame.

Otago Rugby boss Richard Kinley is hopeful departing players Hugh Blake and Jayden Spence will be back next season, and does not think their departure is the start of a mass exodus from the province.

The Southern Ti Kouka side finished third-equal at the national sevens event in Taupo over the weekend but has made some real advances in the game, its coach says.

Otago is finally in the winner's column.

After playing 88 times for his country and coaching countless different teams, Mike McGarry wants to take a seat at the top table.

Four years ago, it was barely on the radar.