Son of a a former Otago captain and All Black, Bloxham used to stand on the Carisbrook terraces cheering on the home side.
Now he is on the paddock at Forsyth Barr Stadium, helping the Otago side play to its potential.
Bloxham, the son of Ken Bloxham, is the team's strength and conditioning trainer.
He is the man who has the job of getting the side fit and ready for the game, and helping it through a torrid and congested season.
Bloxham (29) said the hard work started way back in January and now it was more about recovery and managing workloads for the players.
"You have to make time for your strength and conditioning but you have to recover well. That is not only about the body but making sure you eat the right food, get a decent night's sleep and just looking after yourself really well," he said.
"The good thing about this team is with the way Tony [Otago coach Tony Brown] coaches the game, what we are doing out on the training field is good for fitness anyway.
"We started back in January as a squad and worked pretty hard.
We were doing four mornings a week and then a couple of on the field sessions during the week.
That gave us a good base before the season started.
"You look at the demands of the competition and a lot of it revolves around short turnarounds. These guys are big, strong and fast men who are playing a crash and bash style of game. You have to be well prepared to play in this competition."
Bloxham said apart from one or two blows the side had been reasonably lucky with injuries.
About half a dozen players were nursing injuries this week as the team prepares for the semifinal against Tasman on Friday night.
He said the injuries just needed to be managed and the side had to stick to what it had been doing on the field when it taken on Tasman.
Bloxham grew up in Mosgiel and played for the Taieri club as a junior. His father, who died 12 years ago this month, suffering from cancer, played 155 games for Otago from 1974 until 1986 - and also played two matches for the All Blacks in 1980.
Karl never saw his father play for Otago.
"I did watch him play one game for Taieri senior reserves when he wore my old socks and ran round for a while and ruined my socks. They were always trying to twist his arm to come back and play for the club.
"I always used to go along to Carisbrook with the old man and watch all the superstars play.
"They were good times. Standing on the terrace, cheering them along like everyone else."
Bloxham has a Physical Education degree from the University of Otago and spent five years as trainer of the Hawkes Bay team.
But home came calling earlier this year and Bloxham is enjoying his time back home in the South, and working with the young players.
"We've been forced to go with young guys this season and they are getting the opportunity and that is what rugby is about.
"Making the most of the chances which come along. Sometimes in the competitive nature of sport with it being so much about winning and sponsorship and top dollar they might miss out for someone else.
"Here now the guys just still want to get out and play for each other."
