Blackie to take over from Newby

Flanker Josh Blackie has been named to take over from the injured Craig Newby as captain of the Otago rugby team for the remainder of the Air New Zealand Cup.

Newby is having an operation on a shoulder injury this week that will sideline him for at least four months.

Blackie, 27, is one of Otago's most experienced players, having played 65 matches for the province as well as being a regular for the Highlanders at Super 12/14 level since 2001.

He was a member of the New Zealand sevens team who won a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne in March.

"Josh was already one of our vice-captains and a key member of the leadership group within the squad," Otago coach Steve Martin said today.

"We're fortunate we have leaders of the calibre of Josh and the vice-captain, Neil Brew, and that goes some way to mitigating the loss of Craig."

Newby is being replaced in the squad by flanker Tim Boys.

- NZPA