Steve Hepburn

Four players from Otago have made the cut for the New Zealand under-20 side although one of them will not have a chance of wearing the black jersey — yet.

The Highlanders will have taken a while to get there but they know what to expect when they arrive.

Adam Thomson was often told he was too small to play Super Rugby. Just over two years ago he appeared to be on his death bed.

Otago has made the final of the one-day competition after it beat Canterbury in Christchurch today.

The T20 international between the White Ferns and South Africa in Dunedin has been washed out.

The annual Spartans 10s tournament will be played at Miller Park on Saturday and competition appears to be as fierce as ever.

Highlanders assistant coach Mark Hammett says the side has bounced back from its first-up loss but will look to learn from its mistakes.

The White Ferns will arrive in Dunedin this afternoon full of confidence and with a bit of a swagger.

The Otago Volts will be back to full strength for the side’s elimination final against Canterbury in Christchurch on Thursday.

More girls are playing sport than boys in Otago — as a percentage — as the province increases its secondary school participation rates.

Sharks by name and sharks by nature.

Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger said his side was expecting an aerial bombardment last night and had trained for it — but winning it is another matter.

A lot of rain has fallen in the South over the past week.

Does anyone else watch a major sporting event and think, that looks fairly easy?

Fans of the oval ball game will get another chance to let their love of the sport translate into getting healthier and losing some weight.

The Highlanders kick off their season tonight with a match against the Sharks. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn looks at the season. 

Highlanders captain James Lentjes says the side is all set to go and has done plenty of work in preparation — including a tramp round the backblocks of Central Otago.

David Parker lined up in the indoor triathlon at the Masters games yesterday. He was not set on breaking any records. Getting first was not on his agenda.

Get ready for some Neil Diamond and Bee Gees at the big game on Friday night.