Otago Rugby

So this is it. The big one. The chance of all chances. The opportunity to get rid of 53 years of hurt.

Otago just has to dig itself out of the hole it has created, coach Phil Mooney says.

Otago has made just the one change to its starting line-up for the match against Wellington at Carisbrook tomorrow night as it looks to make a successful home start to its campaign.

He may be an Australian but Otago coach Phil Mooney is completely aware of the Ranfurly Shield.

Still trucking along at 36 and Kees Meeuws says he is feeling as good as ever.

Coming face-to-face with heartland supporters has instilled a new sense of purpose in the Otago rugby team.

The Otago Rugby Football Union has defended its decision to play schoolboy rugby outside Dunedin on test day.

The Otago team is off to camp in the hinterland.

The first major step in resuscitating rugby league in Otago has been taken with confirmation of a club competition later this year.

Spectators will be breath tested at a school rugby game in Christchurch later this month but the practice will not be heading south.

A South Island competition has been set up this year for sides below first-class level.

Otago has signed two backs as it continues to build a side for the most crucial of seasons.

Highlanders assistant coach Barry Matthews has been charged with getting North Otago back where it belongs - at the top of the Heartland Championship.

A new team from an existing club and the prospect of playing in a Ranfurly Shield challenge will add to the interest in North Otago club rugby this season. Long-serving correspondent Terry O'Neill previews the Citizens Shield.

Otago Country officials are worried the appointment of Australian coach Phil Mooney will create further cracks in a divided rugby province.

Otago could find itself in danger of dropping to a second tier of domestic rugby following confirmation last night of changes to the national championship.

The Otago Rugby Football Union has broken with tradition by appointing an overseas coach to the top job.

Former Queensland Reds coach Phil Mooney and former Bay of Plenty coach Greg Smith may be surprise contenders for the Otago coaching job.