The Southland Development programme provides an opportunity for SBS Bank Southland Stags squad members and fringe provincial players to continue playing rugby into the representative season. In 2019, the Southland B side won the South Island B competition before COVID-19 saw the campaign limited to a home and away fixture with Otago Development in 2020 and 2021. In 2023 a larger programme has been restablished with seven fixtures. 

2023 Coaching staff:

Head Coach: Michael Mckenzie

Assistant Coach(s): Ben Mchugh, Jason Rutledge

Manager(s): Kev Muir, Marc Robertson

​​​​​​​Physio: Mitch Kempton