Steve Hepburn

They have had millions and millions of feet over them over the years.

The Highlanders will play all their home games at Forsyth Barr Stadium next year with a pre-season game possibly being played in Invercargill.

Otago showed it is building nicely for the coming season with a commanding win over Southland yesterday.

Peter Breen has been named in the Otago midfield as the side seeks to complete its pre-season with a victory over Southland tomorrow.

It is the battle of two Taieri clubs in Middlemarch tomorrow as Strath Taieri hosts West Taieri in the final of the Dunedin senior competition. Two former first-class players - Mat O'Connell (Strath Taieri) and Ash Barron (West Taieri) - will be involved. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn talks to them.

Brad Evans went from the cold of a Mosgiel winter to the blistering heat of a Japanese summer and came up trumps.

The first first-class game of rugby was played at Forsyth Barr Stadium two years ago today when North Otago beat West Coast. Sports reporter Steve Hepburn looks back at the sporting spectacles in the first two years at the stadium.

The Highlanders have begun the hunt to replenish their outside backs and have Chiefs winger Patrick Osborne in their sights.

Thomas Johnson has plenty on his plate.

As a Scottish scientist links brain injuries in rugby with dementia in later years, rugby writer Steve Hepburn looks into concussion and finds as many questions as answers.

Jayden Spence just wants to get back on the rugby field.

Last year, Tasman taught Otago a lesson in a pre-season game in Dunedin.

One thing can be sure when Otago and Tasman face each other tomorrow - there should be plenty of movement.

The Highlanders are in the market for an experienced first five-eighth. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn casts his net wide to guess who could be in the frame.

Otago will have its first proper hit-out of the season on Sunday but still has something of a makeshift look to its side.