Steve Hepburn

Josh Ioane has played for the All Blacks and the Maori All Blacks.

The new Highlanders coach will go up against the former one when the Maori All Blacks take on Moana Pasifika in Hamilton early next month.

Horse numbers are up by more than 60% and, although the club received only half what it wanted, it is planning on a successful day.

Otago bagged two wins from two matches yesterday, surviving a wet and mucky day in Auckland at the national provincial companionships.

Otago once again fell at the semifinal stage. The season had looked so promising a month before. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn looks back at what happened and why.

Otago will be hoping to finally get over the line when the national provincial championships start in Auckland today.

The weekend did not make it any easier to stomach Otago’s loss on Friday night.

Ah well, it was probably going to be meaningless anyway.

Otago coach Tom Donnelly did not hide his emotions after tasting defeat last night.

Mosgiel driver Chris Hey made every post a winning one at the Battle of Jacks Ridge event in Auckland last weekend.

The chairwoman and deputy chairman of the Otago Rugby Football Union have been appointed to a new advisory group to work on and developing a new plan for the sport at secondary school level.

The dream was going well for Charles Elton. But reality — in the form of injury — has arrived.

Jona Nareki is back at home in the place he loves. So look out Northland.

It has been an up-and-down ride for Josh Ioane this season.

Rachel Pullar has found herself in the hot seat.

The season is over for White Ferns all-rounder Suzie Bates and she may never return to the bowling crease.

The Otago Volts are looking down the barrel of an innings defeat.

A day is a long time in sport. Two weeks must seem a lifetime ago for coach Ian Foster.

This one will not linger long in the mind.