And the photograph of the 135kg Manawatu-bound front-rower lining up the much, much smaller Stephen Marsh (Waitaki Boys' High School) during a traditional interschool game at Littlebourne earlier this week would have reminded Otago what they are going to miss.
Sione, who played for the New Zealand Barbarians Schools team last year, signed with Manawatu earlier this year.
He is from the region, having previously played for St Peter's College and Tai Wananga Tu Toa.
Otago Rugby Football Union general manager Richard Kinley said Otago was interested in signing Sione but the young man was keen to return home.
''At the end of the day, Otago was talking to him as well but where he is going he is going to have parental support,'' Kinley said.
Manawatu will be preparing the big guy for a future role with the Hurricanes, but there is always a chance Sione could pop up at the Highlanders.
