There were plenty of teams lining up to have a crack at the Ranfurly Shield this season but Otago is limiting itself to just the two mandatory pre-season challenges.
In a short series, the Otago Daily Times talks to those people who work behind the scenes to keep sport going. Steve Hepburn talks to Geoff Simons, who works on and off the field in different sports.
John Haggart played 119 games for Otago, finishing with the blue and golds when the side won the national provincial championship in 1991. Since then he has been all around the world. He catches up with Rugby writer Steve Hepburn.
Everyone knows what Ben Smith has done and still has left to do. But what about the other Ben Smith who played for Otago and the Highlanders and also turned out for Southland? Rugby writer Steve...
Otago is always going to find it hard in sevens because of its location and lack of games but more commitment is needed from both players and the union, Otago coaches say.