Steve Hepburn

Otago may have supplied only five players to the Highlanders but it has a healthy representation in the franchise's wider training squad.

The new Otago coach, whoever that may be, has some holes to fill, and any fix is not going to happen quickly or cheaply.

The ITM Cup semifinals kick off tonight. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn takes a look at the four games and attempts to pick some winners.

Otago will stick to picking its players from the club competition in the future and will not be getting out the cheque book to sign players.

Brian Kenny was given a new Otago rugby jersey and scarf yesterday.

A couple of Highlanders and a former southern favourite have been picked to play for the Barbarians next month.

Otago loose forward TJ Ioane has been selected for Samoa.

Otago is walking into the last-chance saloon tonight.

It appears there has not been a rush on to be the next Otago coach.

Thirteenth. And frankly on last night's display, that is what Otago deserves.

Ross Laidlaw has slipped quietly out of the Highlanders building. Laidlaw, who has been chairman of the franchise since early in 2009, resigned from his position on the board last month. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn talks to him about his experiences.

Courtney Barnes rode a winner yesterday - and it was an apt celebration after another big win this week.

The Highlanders have welcomed back halfback Fumiaki Tanaka for a third year but never opened the door for an Adam Thomson return.

Liam Coltman admits he is living the dream.

Maybe it is just about getting old. Maybe it is the fact half the players have unpronounceable names. Maybe it is the diving. Whatever it is, sports reporter Steve Hepburn lists 10 reasons why he no longer watches and barely follows English football.

Otago is on the hunt for a new coach following confirmation Tony Brown is moving fulltime to the Highlanders next year.

Six years ago, Tasman was on the road to oblivion.

A leading Dunedin promoter has hit out at the city's paying public, calling it apathetic and wanting an ''awful lot for very little''.