Rugby has always been run in the blood of former Southland Stags player Jason Rutledge.

But he's thinking of doing something a little different when he hangs up his playing boots - refereeing. But not quite yet.

Retirement is nowhere in sight for the 40-year-old but planning ahead is important to him, just like it is for the running of his business, Laser Plumbing Invercargill.

"I'd like to try it one day," Rutledge said of refereeing.

"[For now] I'm enjoying club rugby and the body's feeling pretty good."

As well as playing for the Woodlands premier team, Rutledge is coach of the Southland under-48kg team and on a Southland club rugby advisory panel. He was the Woodlands Rugby Club's president last year and in 2016.

Rutledge liked coaching the under-48kg side and hoped in four or five years, he could be in contention to coach the Southland under-18s.

"I'd like to slowly build up to that level  ... go through the grades and get to know the boys around Southland and know how they tick.

"You've got to have a good rapport with them."

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Rutledge, a specialist hooker, has impressive player statistics with more than 200 senior games for Woodlands and 130 for the Southland Stags.  

He last played for the Stags in 2016, but was ready to go again if needed.   

"I'm still available but they've got [good hookers in] Brayden Mitchell and Flynn Thomas ... Flynn's got a big future ahead," Rutledge said.

CrossFit training has been beneficial to Rutledge's rugby playing.

"It's given me more mobility, flexibility ... it's a different way of training. [Before] I'd go to the gym and lift weights."

" As I get a bit older, I do worry about injuries and running a business." 

Sam Riley, who took over the Woodland's presidency this year, says Rutledge has contributed a lot to the club.

"He's been an unbelievable servant to Woodlands rugby and Southland rugby ... you don't get many more loyal guys than him.

"I've played in many teams with him and he's carried on a lot longer than I did. He shows no signs of stopping.

"The older he's got, the more versatile he's got."

Riley said Rutledge was a good role for young players not only in the Woodlands club but Southland-wide.

 - Stuff.co.nz 6 May 2018