 North Otago, along with Otago and Southland, make up the Highlanders team that competes in the Super Rugby competition against other New Zealand teams, as well as Australian and South African teams.Still getting over the loss of the 2001 Division 3 NPC final against South Canterbury, North Otago set out to play harder, faster, and more superb rugby in 2002, And that is exactly what they did.Starting their season off with a Hanan Shield match against Mid Canterbury, winning the game 43-16.