But he is expanding his coaching resume.
The 39-year-old has been named as coach of Otago Country and will lead the side this season.
The veteran loose forward has played more than 200 games for Arrowtown and has made 52 appearances for Otago Country.
Winter also clocked up 53 games for Zingari-Richmond in Dunedin and 16 for Star in Invercargill. He had a couple of seasons in Germany, too.
Another claim to fame is he played outside All Blacks great Dan Carter for the South Island under-18 team against the North Island under-18 side in 2000.
He is a rugby survivor who started off in the midfield, but has played all three loose forward positions and also popped up in the front row and even filled in at first five.
In 2019, he led Arrowtown to the Central Otago club title in his debut season as a player-coach.
The idea to put his name forward to coach Otago Country was hatched over a few beers with a mate.
When the role became vacant, he was asked if he was still keen.
"Well, I’m keen but I better talk to the missus first," Winter responded.
"And now I’m here."
The first order of business is to name a wider training squad in the next few weeks.
The Topp Cup is being played on July 23 this year. It has traditionally been played at Queen’s Birthday weekend.
"That is pretty much our trial," he said.
Otago Country’s first game is against Southland Country on August 6. It will play North Otago and Otago Development the next two weekends then have a week off. The final match is against North Canterbury on September 3.
Winter is confident there is plenty of talent to put together a decent team.
"It is just about trying to get all the boys keen."
