Steve Hepburn

He has just become a dad second time round and is about to go in for knee surgery. Steve Hepburn talks to the cricketer about life on and off the field.

The only man who publicly stated he wanted the Highlanders head coaching position did not get an interview.

Attacking and enterprising rugby ... 2. Dull, kick-first and so-last-year rugby ... 0.

Adam Thomson has rejoined Otago after being dropped by the All Blacks. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn catches up with the loose forward, who has had a roller-coaster few weeks.

After a stroll in the park last week, this afternoon's match against Tasman is a definite step-up in intensity for the Otago side.

Otago lock Tom Donnelly says the benchmark has now been set and the All Blacks will be looking to improve this weekend.

New Zealand Football boss Frank van Hattum says the sport has had a year of absolute excitement but it will not be easy to maintain that momentum.

Otago just has to dig itself out of the hole it has created, coach Phil Mooney says.

As Eben Joubert says, he is going to keep on knocking on the door and eventually it will open.

The new Forsyth Barr Stadium has had the thumbs-up from the team that may drag the most supporters to it next year.

Highlanders project manager Roger Clark has had his contract extended until the end of the month as he continues his work for the franchise, while new coach Jamie Joseph has immediately got into his work.

From the depths of pain and immobility, former Olympian Finn O'Connor has returned to the boat and is showing he can more than hold his own.