Steve Hepburn

Aaron Smith is a top priority for the Highlanders to sign for next season, while the future of Adam Thomson remains unclear.

Revenge is not a big issue for the Hurricanes as they go into a crunch match against the Highlanders on Saturday night.

The ability to win close games continues for the Highlanders, with coach Jamie Joseph paying tribute to the depth of his squad and the self-belief of the players.

The injuries keep coming for the Highlanders and the side faces a tough week as a crunch game against the Hurricanes looms.

Southland flanker Tim Boys has been called into the Highlanders to shore up the openside flanker ranks.

A year older, and a year wiser.

This one will not linger long in the memory. In fact, highlights were as scarce as those hen's dentures.

Former All Black captain Anton Oliver has described the events involving Otago Rugby Football Union over the past two months as a "zoo", saying what has happened is diabolical.

Ben Smith plays his 50th game for the Highlanders tomorrow morning. He looks back over his past 49 games with Steve Hepburn.

The wheels are starting to turn for Jarrad Hoeata but he admits he has not quite hit full speed.

Ben Smith brings up 50 games for the Highlanders this weekend. The former King's High School pupil is one of the best backs seen in the franchise's colours. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn ranks his top seven backs in Highlanders history.

The Spirit has got the funds and is now just waiting to hear whether it is back playing this year.

Highlanders loose forward James Haskell has been banned for three weeks but his good record stopped the punishment being worse.

A new Otago Rugby Football Union board will have only six members, and clubs will have no direct say in who will serve on the board.

Details should be announced this week on the North-South match to be played at Forsyth Barr Stadium next month.

Former Otago Rugby Football Union chairman John Dowling and Otago cricket boss Ross Dykes are two of the key men who will oversee the selection of the new board of Otago rugby.

Highlander James Haskell has been suspended for three weeks after being cited for punching in his side's match against the Cheetahs last Sunday (NZ time).