Otago Highlanders
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OtagoHighlandersLogo.jpg
The Otago Highlanders, officially known simply as the Highlanders, are a rugby union team from New Zealand. They compete in the Super 12 rugby union tournament, which is played between teams from Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. The Highlanders draw their team from the South Island regions of Otago, North Otago, and Southland.
The Highlanders take their name from the fact that Otago, North Otago, and Southland were founded by Scottish emigrants in the 1840s and 1850s and the name "Highlander" was seen to conjure up images of loyalty, strength, honesty and hard work.
The team logo depicts a rampant Highlander brandishing in one hand a shield and in the other a claymore; it is intended as a symbolic indication of equal attention being paid to defence and attack.
The team plays in the Town of Dunedin and their home ground is called Carisbrook, although it is affectionately known locally as "The House of Pain". The fans sing, in support of their team, the Highlander Song:
- We are the Otago Highlanders
- we're here to play the game
- From Auckland to Australia, there's no-one quite the same
- As we the Otago Highlanders, and rugby is our game
- Welcome to the house of pain.
- [Chorus]
- Otago Highlanders, That's our name
- Otago Highlanders, Here to play the game
- Otago Highlanders, Winning is our aim
- Welcome to the house of pain.
- From Waitaki to the Bluff, and up to central too
- For the loyal Scarfies, "Highlanders" know what to do
- For we play with passion, and pride in our game
- Welcome to the house of T-T-Taine.
- [Chorus]
- Otago Highlanders, That's our name
- Otago Highlanders, Here to play the game
- Otago Highlanders, Winning is our aim
- Welcome to the house of pain.
- Otago Highlanders.. Otago Highlanders
- Otago Highlanders.. Otago Highlanders
- [Chorus]
- Otago Highlanders, That's our name
- Otago Highlanders, Here to play the game
- Otago Highlanders, Winning is our aim
- Welcome to the house of pain.
The "Taine" in the second verse refers to former Highlanders and All Blacks captain Taine Randell.
Super 12 positions
| 1996 .. | 8th | |
| 1997 .. | 12th | |
| 1998 .. | 4th | .. (lost semi-final to Auckland Blues) |
| 1999 .. | 2nd | .. (lost final to Canterbury Crusaders) |
| 2000 .. | 3rd | .. (lost semi-final to Canterbury Crusaders) |
| 2001 .. | 5th | |
| 2002 .. | 4th | .. (lost semi-final to Canterbury Crusaders) |
| 2003 .. | 7th | |
| 2004 .. | 9th | |
| 2005 .. | 8th |
Famous players
- Jeff Wilson, New Zealand representative rugby (All Black) and cricket player
External link
- Highlanders official site (http://highlandersrugby.com)