Haig, a former half back in his playing career, started playing rugby for his school Southland Boys' High School in 1980, where he was selected for the first XV between 1980 and 1982 [REF].
Between 1985 and 1988, Haig travelled to various countries to gain experience in different cultures; between 1985 and 1987, he represented the Johannesburg Pirates in South Africa,[REF] while in between 1985 and 1988 he represented London Scottish, Orrell R.U.F.C. and Richmond in England [REF].