Otago squad members are expected to be taken out of club rugby from early July. This will put club teams with Otago players at a disadvantage.
There is also a change to the club structure, with two full rounds being played. Each team will play other teams twice, at home and away. The semifinals for the top four teams will be played on July 30 and the final on August 6.
The first round of the competition will be for the Speight's Cup, the second for the Gallaway Trophy. The championship banner will be at stake for the semifinals and final.
University A has lost 16 players from last year's squad and this will make it more difficult for new coach John Hyde to take the club to its 49th Dunedin premier banner. Gone are representative players Sam Hibbard, Hoani Matenga, Chris Noakes, Andrew Parata and Josh Townsend.
Hyde, who had 10 years' experience as a referee and controlled more than 85 premier games, replaces former Scottish international John Leslie, who coached the team for the past three years.
The students still have experienced key players such as loose forwards Brad Cameron and Paul Grant, halfback Sean Romans and speedy outside backs David Thompson and Matt Faddes in their ranks.
A key newcomer is lock Rob Verbakel, who has transferred from Canterbury and is contracted to the Otago Rugby Football Union.
"It will be a challenge, but our goal is to win the banner again this year," Hyde said. "Our team is up for it."
Alhambra-Union finished runner-up in 2010 but it will be more difficult for coach Marty Gray this year because he has lost five key players from last year.
Gone are backs Jone Paumau, Luke Reihana and Paula Kinikinilau and forwards Wahari Waitohi and Dane Maraki.
"But we still have a good culture and a good nucleus of experienced players," Gray said.
Alhambra-Union still has a formidable pack that will match any team in the competition, but there is a question mark about a backline that has lost pivotal players.
Ross Hanson has returned to the hot seat as coach of Dunedin. His team won the banner when he was last in charge in 2005.
Dunedin has lost two of its props from last year. Kelsey Miller has gone to Hawkes Bay and veteran Keith Cameron has retired. Dynamic midfield back Michael Walding has transferred to Wellington. A key player in the team is loose forward Gareth Evans.
Three useful recruits are No8 Mark Atkins, from Canterbury; fullback and accurate goalkicker Liam Edwards, from Otago Boys' High School; and openside flanker Hugh Blake, from Hamilton Boys' High School.
Southern has lost lock James Stevenson to England, former Otago lock Uili Kolo'ofai to Italy, flanker Ollie Spence to Auckland and halfback Lewis Hancock to Bay of Plenty.
Key players this year will be No8 Sam Crompton, lock-flanker Simon Knight, midfield back Luke Herden, outside back Joe Hill and first five-eighth Julius Glasson.
Fitness guru Gary Dawkins has replaced veteran Jack Medder as Harbour coach and the team is expected to improve from its eighth spot last year.
The team will be captained by Otago representative Pete Mirrielees and valuable recruits are midfield back Lex Kaleca, from Lawrence; first five-eighth Ben Main, from Southern; and lock Norris Goldberg, from Boston.
Pirates was narrowly beaten at the semifinal stage last year and is looking to go at least one better this season. Paul Miller has returned from Japan to take over the coaching reins. Miller said he might play, though that depended on injuries to others and how his body held up.
Coaching was undoubtedly more of a challenge than playing, he said - "having to manage players and worry more about other players' games than your own". Pirates will rely on big-kicking first five-eighth Glenn Dickson, while centre Marshall Suckling will have a late start to the season after breaking a bone in his hand.
Winger Jeremy Cave has gone home to the Horowhenua area, while fullback Kieran Fowler is concentrating on athletics, though may turn out if needed.
Otago prop Halani Aulika has joined the club along with loose forward Daniel Crichton. Taieri appears to have built some depth to its squad, with players coming into the club from near and far.
Backs Kieran Moffat and Ben Nowell have been involved in the Canterbury setup and should help create plenty of opportunities.
Former Zingari-Richmond lock Matt Larsen has returned after a couple of years playing overseas and will turn out for Taieri.
The side will miss live-wire flanker Jeremy Corliss, who has gone to Auckland, while veteran No8 Eric Vaafusuaga has finally hung up his boots. First five-eighth Hayden Parker is still recovering from a badly broken leg last year and may return to the field in May.
Former Otago halfback James Kenny is a starter after taking last year off because of a shoulder injury.
Kaikorai coaches Brent Lucas and Donald Muldrew believe they may have a side to go near the top. The side finished fourth last year and has the bonus of bringing up some promising players from last year's successful colts side. It also welcomes one-test All Black Ben Atiga, while North Otago lock Dave Simpson has also joined the club.
Veteran back Matt Direen is back again, while Mark McGregor will help out when needed.
Green Island is looking to improve on last year, when it finished ninth, and coach Brett McCormick will be helped by former Green Island prop Jason Short, with Nick Moore taking a year off from coaching.
McCormick has new Otago signings Buxton Popoali'i and Hanipale Galo to score tries out wide, although Popoali'i may not play much because of sevens commitments. Green Island has plenty of size up front and McCormick is expecting big things from forwards Josh Beer and Mika Mafi.
The only way is up for Zingari-Richmond after the side lost every game last year. Bevan Townsend will take charge, along with former coach Arthur Stone. Townsend said there was a good spirit at the club and players had trained well in the pre-season, though the side had been hit hard by injuries.
New Otago signing Daniel Ramsay will return to the club he previously played for but will have a slow start to the season, recovering from a shoulder reconstruction.
Front-rower Chris Snow is back after a couple of seasons away and Chris Bell will again lead the team.
Dunedin Premier Rugby Teams
UNIVERSITY A
Last season: Champion.
Coach: John Hyde (replaces John Leslie), assistant Grant Sneddon.
Gains: Sam Sturgess (Blues Colts), Rob Verbakel (Canterbury), Jack Wolfreys (Wellington College).
Losses: Sam Hibbard (overseas), Hoani Matenga (overseas), Josh Townsend (Auckland), Chris Noakes (Auckland), Andrew Parata (overseas), Simon Forrest.
Key players: Loose forwards Brad Cameron and Paul Grant, halfback Sean Romans, fullback Matt Faddes.
Squad. -Forwards: Liam McGrath, Sam Sturgess, Kyle Lamont, Simon Gabion-Sheehan, Israeli Guise, Rob Verbakel, Nick Grant, Will Eder, Brad Cameron (captain), Aaron Scott, Jack Wolfreys, Dale Jarden, Luke Balvert, Paul Grant, Adam Thomson.
Backs: Sean Romans, Sam McLernon, Jake Moore, Guy Schwikkard, Stephen Fenemore, Tom Halse, Sam Hall, Aaron McDowell, Mitchell Wood, David Thompson, Anton Hones, Matt Faddes, Brenton Thompson.
ALHAMBRA-UNION
Last season: Second.
Coach: Marty Gray (second year), assistants Brian Free and Ian Arthur.
Gains: Vaughn Bruce (back after injury), Ken Hellier (Colts), Bradley Oliver (South Canterbury).
Losses: Jone Paumau (Hawkes Bay), Luke Reihana (South Canterbury), Paula Kinikinilau (Wellington), Wahari Waitohi (England), Dane Maraki (Japan).
Key players: No8 Matt Kissick, front-rower Liam Coltman, prop Scott Manson, hooker Ben Pereira.
Squad. -Forwards: James Grinley, Liam Coltman, Scott Manson, Corey Barrett, Tom Viggo, Shaun Crockford, Mitch Ewen, Matt Kissick (captain), Vaughn Bruce, Ryan Bowater, Adam Anker, Ben Pereira, Bradley Oliver, Jeremy McKee.
Backs: Mike Moeahu, Jarid Bradley, Tilli Puloka, Ken Hellier, Matt Dalley, Chris Guild, Danny Connell, Peter Breen, Ben Qauqau, Shane Way.
PIRATES
Last year: Third.
Coaches: Paul Miller and Ross Edwards (replace Roy Hawker and Russell Hawker).
Gains: Halani Aulika (Auckland), Daniel Crichton (Auckland).
Losses: Garth Swan (year off), Kieran Fowler (athletics), Jeremy Cave (Horowhenua), Nick Wilson (Christchurch).
Key players: No8 Warren Kearney, first five-eighth Glenn Dickson, prop Shane Parata.
Squad. -Forwards: Warren Kearney (captain), Daniel Johnson, Shane Parata, Craig Miller, Halani Aulika, Hisa Sasagi, Solomon T-Pole, Brad Ross, Josh Clark, Clayton Jefta, Motu Hutch, Dan Crichton, Jake Maiono, Shaun McCarroll, Paul Miller.
Backs: Steve Bruce, Dan Te Au, Ben Miller, Quintin Edwards, Opini Toomalatai, Issac Beach, Marshall Suckling, Ben Hanley, Hemi Davis, Kenton Leiataua, Po'amo Ailloili.
KAIKORAI
Last year: Fourth.
Coaches: Brent Lucas and Donald Muldrew (third year).
Gains: Ben Atiga (Auckland), Dave Simpson (North Otago), Lee Allen (Colts), Blair Tweed (Colts).
Losses: Tomasi Palu (Wellington), Seko Kalou (Fiji), Richard Cowley (Auckland).
Key players: Loose forward Adam Hill, prop Jim Stevenson, inside back Cam Rutherford.
Squad. -Forwards: Jim Stevenson, Sam Crisp, Noa Soqeta, Kensack Palepoi, Adam Hill (captain), Rob Griffiths, Lee Allen, Matt Cowie, Jamie Williams, Mitchell Clarke, Blair Tweed, Callum Wardell, Dave Simpson, Josh Suszko.
Backs: Tony Ensor, Danny van der Voort, Cam Rutherford, Ben Atiga, Fergus McRae, Dan Hyndman, Craig Baird, Logan Moore, Matt Direen, Jake Sargison, Mark McGregor, Sam Cadogan, Matt Te Tana, Fetu'u Vainikolo, Jayden Spence.
TAIERI
Last year: Fifth.
Coaches: Graeme Anderson and Phil Young (second year).
Gains: Kieran Moffat (Christchurch), Ben Nowell (Japan), Matt Larsen (Scotland).
Losses: Eric Vaafusuaga (retired), Jeremy Corliss (Auckland), Ryan Shortland (Newcastle, England).
Key players: No8 Charlie O'Connell, hooker Jason Macdonald, loose forward Nathan Young.
Squad. -Forwards: Jason Macdonald, Henry Parker, Will Hurst, Dean Collins, Brett Anderson, Charlie Harrax, Logan Whyte, Mark Thomas, Matt Larsen, Steve Green, Matt Davidson, Kurt Webster, Logan O'Connell, Charlie O'Connell (captain), Nathan Young, Jeff Evans-Turner, Rowan Beadle.
Backs: James Kenny, Ryan Hammer, Hayden Parker, Shannon Young, Ben Nowell, Kieran Moffat, Kori Rupene, Matt O'Sullivan, Tom Davie, Mike Kerr, Kurt Schrader, Andrew Reid, Paul Wyber, Rhys Collins, Nick Dyer, Jared Campbell.
DUNEDIN
Last season: Sixth.
Coach: Ross Hanson (replaces Ed Baker), assistant Fraser Lau.
Gains: Liam Edwards (OBHS), Hugh Blake (Hamilton), Brad Weber (Colts), Mark Atkins (Canterbury).
Losses: Kelsey Miller (Hawkes Bay), Keith Cameron (retired), Michael Walding (Wellington).
Key players: Flanker Gareth Evans, hooker Sam Anderson-Heather, wing-centre Tumua Ioane.
Squad. -Forwards: Sam Anderson-Heather, David Smart (captain), Ben Hofmann, Daniel Cairns, Tim McKenzie, Richard Thompson, Anthony Diack, Mark Grieve-Dunn, Gareth Evans, Simon Luke, Tom Verdonk, Hugh Blake, Mark Atkins, Joe Dobson.
Backs: Fraser Lau, Brad Weber, Kai Daniel, Laupepa Karalus, Louis Tili, Richard Laming, Tumua Ioane, Sione Pulu, Ashton Tuck, Kaituu Kaufana, Daryl Caldwell, Liam Edwards.
SOUTHERN
Last season: Seventh.
Coaches: Barry Stevens (returns) and Tim Belcher (second year).
Gains: David Ogilvie (back from injury), Sam Gibson (Horowhenua-Kapiti), Dan Baxter (Nelson), TJ Ioane (Wellington), Andrew Stead (Canterbury), Robbie Smith (Dunedin), Tony Fenner (Auckland), Nathan Johnston (back from overseas).
Losses: James Stevenson (England), Willis Kolo'ofai (Italy), Ollie Spence (Auckland), Lewis Hancock (Bay of Plenty), Nik Tupaea (Australia), Mark Sherlock (Australia), Carl Anderson (Hawkes Bay).
Key players: Lock Simon Knight, No8 Sam Crompton, midfield back Luke Herden, winger Joe Hill.
Squad. -Forwards: Michael Mata'afa, Kees Meeuws, Warren Moffat, David Ogilvie, Ean Griffiths, Wesley Mason, Tom Franklin, Sam Gibson, Sam Crompton, Sam Gavigan, TJ Ioane, Simon Knight Andrew Stead, Dan Baxter.
Backs: Robbie Smith, Josh Walden, Tony Fenner, Julius Glasson, Luke Herden, Nathan Johnston, Blair Polwart, Joe Hill, Seb Hill, Nick Jones, Harry Uffindell and Hamish Buick.
HARBOUR
Last season: Eighth.
Coach: Gary Dawkins (replaces Jack Medder), assistants John Keenan and Eben Joubert.
Gains: Lex Kaleca (Lawrence), Ben Main (Southern), Dan Smart (Pirates), Norris Goldberg (United States), Corey Kara (Harbour seniors).
Losses: Jonnie Hughes (Zingari), Ryan Olsen (injury), Graeme Cashmore, Ben Dickson.
Key players: Halfback Johnny Legg, flanker Eben Joubert, hooker Peter Mirrielees, prop Ben Nolan.
Squad. -Forwards: Peter Mirrielees (captain), Eben Joubert, Ben Nolan, Pieter van der Merwe, Brad Griffiths, Angus Duckett, Norris Goldberg, Sam Ready, Joel Rabbidge, Pola Finau, Dalton Ellis, Sam Holdaway, Nick Ward, Ra Kahukiwa, Greg Restiaux, Lloyd Roffe, Iloa Ihau.
Backs: Johnny Legg, Wayne Gibson, Lex Kaleca, Craig Sneddon, George Folau, Ben Main, Dan Smart, Ollie Cuthill, Rema Smith Corey Kara, Ben Marshall.
GREEN ISLAND
Last year: Ninth.
Coaches: Brett McCormick (second year) and Jason Short (replaces Nick Moore).
Gains: Buxton Popoali'i (Wellington), Hanipale Galo (Wellington), Dean Moeahu (out of retirement), Scott Higginson (Hawkes Bay).
Losses: Alex Davies (staying in England).
Key players: Loose forward Jason Bint, halfback Dean Moeahu, prop Josh Beer.
Squad. -Forwards: Scott Higginson, Guy Archibald, Jason Bint (captain), Mika Mafi, Jamie Waller, Nathan Stewart, Brent Campbell, Brendon Hollows, Frankie Elisara, Simon McCarthy, Josh Beer, Andre Clarke, Terry Gough, Sam Smith.
Backs: Hanipale Galo, Pati Seiuli, James Spooner, Elmo Tobaiwa, Kail Spooner, Poasi Kilisimasi, Sam Eriepa, Titapu Lewington, Dave Sakaria, Roma Sauileoge, Jesse Toto, Dean Moeahu, Paul Butson, Buxton Popoali'i, Ben Smith.
ZINGARI-RICHMOND
Last year: 10th.
Coaches: Bevan Townsend and Arthur Stone (replace Peter Michaels and Les Patrick).
Gains: Chris Snow (last year off), Daniel Ramsay (Wellington).
Losses: Troy England (North Island).
Key players: Loose forward Chris Bell, prop Jeremy Bekhuis, first five-eighth Jonnie Hughes.
Squad. -Forwards: Graeme Cashmore, Chris Bell (captain), Brady Carmichael, Steve Roberts, Colin Enright, Kerrod Spratt, Brad Islip, Chris Preddy, Chris Snow, Jesse Muir, Ben Stevenson, Jeremy Bekhuis.
Backs: Kelly Moore, Ben Defarias, Jonnie Hughes, Mark Hunter, Karl Hart, Nathan Napier, Ben Kent, Vaughan Mathewson, Ben Bradley.