But it has risen from the dead and now looks to have a team with plenty of firepower and potential.
When the Otago Rugby Football Union's self-inflicted financial difficulties were exposed earlier this year, it was forced to slash costs to meet a new budget.
That led to the decision to get rid of the Spirit, as the $20,000 it cost to run a women's campaign was deemed expendable.
But that decision did not find favour with former players and supporters, and a fundraising campaign started.
The money was quickly found and Otago was reinstated in the competition by the New Zealand Rugby Union.
Now, an Otago Spirit squad has been picked, a warm-up game has been played, and Otago will play its first game of the national provincial competition against Wellington today.
The only way is up for the team, after it did not win a game last year, and it has some real talent in its side, especially in the backline.
That ability was shown by an Otago team winning a South Island sevens tournament last month.
The backline includes former and current Black Ferns Kelly Brazier, Claire Richardson, Haile Hurring and captain Anika Tiplady.
Victoria Nafatali is also in the national training squad and will be part of a backline which should be able to create chances.
Coach Marty Gray said the side was really looking forward to the first game.
"We've got some pretty good strike power there but we've got to get the ball first. We have been working hard and the fitness is good," he said.
"What we have been trying to do with the girls is go up another level from club play and try and work a bit harder at everything we do."
The Spirit had a useful training game against a team of secondary schoolboy players last week. One of the biggest obstacles for the side is a lack of warm-up games against other women's teams.
Gray named an initial training squad of more than 45 players but has trimmed it to 30.
Brazier, Richardson and prop Kathleen Wilton, also a Black Fern, have all been playing club rugby in Canada, and Wilton will be a key player in the forwards.
Flanker Kerry Stoddart is the vice-captain of the side, while Biddy Sefton has been moved into the forwards, after playing for her Kaikorai club on the wing.
Gray said Sefton, who also did some boxing, had good upper body strength and that would be useful in the forward exchanges.
The Spirit has three home games, against Hawkes Bay, Auckland and Auckland, which is to be played at Forsyth Barr Stadium on October 20.
With only a straight final, the pressure will be on to perform well from the opening game.
Wellington made the final last year, before losing to perennial champion Auckland.
The Otago players travelled to Wellington yesterday and stayed at the Police College last night. They will be staying in budget accommodation throughout the season.
The college is near Porirua Park, where the game today is being played.
Otago v Wellington
Wellington, today, 12.30pm
Otago Spirit: Hailee Hurring, Arna McLeod, Claire Richardson, Victoria Nafatali, Anika Tiplady (captain), Kelly Brazier, Claire Smith, Angie Sisifa, Kerry Stoddart, Rebecca Todd, Nicky Crawford, Biddy Sefton, Pip Love, Karina Nafatali, Kat Wilton.
Reserves: Lucy Emery, Elenoa Lilo, Megan Kane, Rachel Scott, Jenna Aikman, Greer Muir, Angie Taylor.
Wellington: Katarina Simpkins, Georgia Daals, Brenda Collins, Maryann Collins, Ruby Finau, Elizabeth Goulden, Acacia Claridge, Helen Collins, Gina Williamson, Kiri Mei, Moni Fa'aifo, Jackie Patea (captain), Molly Maligi-Leota, Claire Rowat, Muteremoana Aiatu. Reserves: Sharlene Fagalilo, Patsy Schwalger, Kelly Feaunati-Tuia, Samantha McIntosh, Agnes Deans, Rejieli Uluinayau, Geneva Webber.
