The All Black selectors name a 35-man squad tomorrow for a Grand Slam tour, with a stop in Hong Kong on the way to play Australia. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn takes a look at who could be on the plane.
A flanker who may have thought time had passed him by, two forwards who have been destined for the black jersey since they were young, and two fliers from Wellington whose form could not be ignored, are features of the All Black Grand Slam squad announced yesterday.
Jamie Mackintosh had plenty of reasons to celebrate at the weekend.
Six World Cup games in the South, including an All Black test, is the dream scenario for southern bid organisers.
Waikouaiti endurance runner Val Muskett went beyond her own expectations in the World 24hr challenge in South Korea earlier this month.
Basketball Otago chief executive Mark Rogers has been appointed a board member of the newly constituted National Basketball League board.
New Highlanders assistant coach Peter Russell wants to turn some close losses into wins and is looking forward to teaming up with an old coaching partner.
Otago assistant coach Bruce Carvell says he is keen to continue in the job, but wants to know more details about the post.
Hawkes Bay coach Peter Russell appears the favourite to fill the Highlanders assistant coaching position.
Otago coach Steve Martin has described the past season as frustrating, but is keen to coach the team next year.
Southland has often been seen as the poor cousin of the Highlanders franchise. But tonight the Stags take on Wellington in an Air New Zealand Cup semifinal, while Otago is out of the running.
Otago rugby coach Steve Martin has confirmed he will reapply for his job.
A premiership-winning coach, one of Otago rugby's finest stalwarts, and a former Otago flanker who has been around the coaching ranks in the south for more than a decade loom as serious obstacles to Steve Martin retaining the Otago coaching job.
A decision on who coaches Otago next year will not be made until next week at the earliest.
Tahuna Park will play host to rugby league today as Otago takes on Southland, 100 years after the first battle between the provinces.
Former Highlanders pivot Tony Brown is a possibility to make a return to the southern franchise.
Matt Clutterbuck has a busy weekend coming up - but that has been the standard over the past couple of months.
Though it ended brightly, with a surprise win over Wellington last Saturday night, Otago's season would have to be classed as a disappointment. Otago finished 10th and missed the quarterfinals. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn looks back at the season.
Chief executive Richard Reid says Otago rugby has lost $1.5 million during the past two years and the union has to make its financial health a priority.
All Black Anthony Tuitavake stamped his class all over Carisbrook on Saturday, showing he will not give up the black jersey without a fight.
