All Blacks: de Groot dropped over protocol breach
All Blacks: de Groot dropped over protocol breach
Scott Robertson has axed regular starter Ethan de Groot from the All Black side to face England at Twickenham this weekend.
Rugby
Strong, tested spine of Black Ferns in Matatu squad
Strong, tested spine of Black Ferns in Matatu squad
Black Fern Maia Joseph will spearhead the Otago Spirit contingent in the 2025 Matatu squad.
Alcohol ban for French rugby players
Alcohol ban for French rugby players
The French Rugby Federation has banned players from drinking alcohol during national team gatherings as part of efforts to improve discipline.
'Ridiculous' haka needs binning: England prop
'Ridiculous' haka needs binning: England prop
England prop Joe Marler has added some spice to his team's clash with the All Blacks at Twickenham this weekend, saying the haka "needs binning".
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Taking games to regions could prove shot in arm for NPC
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Taking games to regions could prove shot in arm for NPC
The Otago Daily Times canvassed plenty of people for their thoughts during our week-long series on the future of the NPC. Here are some reader opinions on the competition.
Blackadder and Papali'i may join All Blacks tour
Blackadder and Papali'i may join All Blacks tour
The All Blacks are set to boosted by the return of potentially both Ethan Blackadder and Dalton Papali'i midway through their tour of Europe.
All Blacks thrash Japan 64-19
All Blacks thrash Japan 64-19
New Zealand ran in 10 tries to kick off their end-of-season tour with a convincing 64-19 victory over a lively Japan side in an entertaining test at Yokohama's International Stadium.
Lions win NPC in extra-time thriller
Lions win NPC in extra-time thriller
After an enthralling, exhausting 100-minute final, the Wellington Lions have been crowned NPC champions after beating Bay of Plenty 23-20.
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No clear path ahead for NPC
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No clear path ahead for NPC
We have explored the issues facing the NPC, and garnered the thoughts of some of those with a keen interest in New Zealand’s domestic rugby competition.
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Lions favourites, Bay expansive
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Lions favourites, Bay expansive
Wellington and Bay of Plenty have made it through to tomorrow’s NPC final. Adrian Seconi offers up this quick guide.
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Changes must not come at expense of FPC growth
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Changes must not come at expense of FPC growth
What is in store for the future of the Farah Palmer Cup? Could it hang in the balance if something was to happen to the NPC? Kayla Hodge offers her thoughts.
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Make space, time for NPC stars
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Make space, time for NPC stars
Our series on the future of the NPC continues. Club stalwarts Ian Arthur and Blair Crawford tell Adrian Seconi there needs to be a change.
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Back when NPC had stars, pulling power
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Back when NPC had stars, pulling power
Former Otago players Brendon Timmins and Brendon Laney, part of arguably the greatest team in NPC history, tell Adrian Seconi the competition needs to bring back the stars and the razzmatazz.
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Brown excited about job to which he has long aspired
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Brown excited about job to which he has long aspired
Another Brown will take charge of the Otago NPC team next season.
Preseason match for Invercargill
Preseason match for Invercargill
There will be swedes and sushi — southern style — at halftime when the Highlanders play the Crusaders next year.
Stalwart whistler Carruthers volunteer of year
Stalwart whistler Carruthers volunteer of year
Rugby needs more people like Wayne Carruthers.
NPC advocated as vital pathway to Super level
NPC advocated as vital pathway to Super level
The NPC faces an uncertain future as New Zealand Rugby grapples with the big-picture questions and the more pressing bottom line on the financial report.
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Tweaks rather than revolution likely
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Tweaks rather than revolution likely
Adrian Seconi asks New Zealand Rugby general manager of community rugby Steve Lancaster and Otago chief executive Richard Kinley what the competition will look like in five years.
All Blacks name two debutants for Japan test
All Blacks name two debutants for Japan test
Coach Scott Robertson has rung the changes for the opening test of the All Blacks' end of year tour.
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NPC has still to find its place in changed landscape
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NPC has still to find its place in changed landscape
This week the ODT outlines issues facing the NPC competition and talks to power players to see what the future holds. Adrian Seconi provides some background.