Otago rugby captain Craig Newby says the team is trying hard and has not quit, but he feels there is too much training in modern rugby.
Newby, who will play his last game for Otago on Saturday, and then take up a three-year contract with English rugby club Leicester, says the Otago team has been hampered by just not following what it has been told to do.
"Too many guys are not listening, not reacting to what they have been taught," he said.
"I can teach my 3-year-old daughter how to open a peanut butter jar once and then she can do it right the next 400 times. But the guys are not doing it. It's everyone," he said.
"It must be the top two inches. Physically, we are as good as anyone."
Newby has spent six seasons with the Highlanders and four with Otago and says he has enjoyed his time in Dunedin immensely but a simple game was being complicated.
"Ten years ago, the coach had control of the team. Nowadays, you have the nutritionist, trainer, physio, all saying these things . . . and they've got to have a pool session, have recovery.
"In some ways, it's just gone too professional. In 10 years' time it will just be ridiculously professional. You will not be able to go hunting, do anything.
"I think New Zealand rugby players are just good at turning up and playing rugby.
"Maybe we're not that good at being professionals."
Newby said he disliked poorly organised or irrelevant trainings, pool sessions, ice baths, no cold beer in the changing rooms, and healthy food in the changing rooms.
He said there were not too many games, but too many training sessions.
When he first arrived in Dunedin in 2002, the Highlanders, under Laurie Mains, used to have a court session after every game, which he thoroughly enjoyed.
This year there had been one.
Newby was looking forward to meeting former Otago players in England.
