The 110kg No 8 has been named in the line-up which is expected to take the field in the second half.
He has spent the past couple of years playing for Suntory Sungoliath in Japan, but has previously played for the Crusaders and the Chiefs.
The 29-year-old signed with the Highlanders earlier this month and will bring experience to the Otago pack.
He will also help fill the gap left by the season-ending injuries to James Lentjes and Oliver Haig.
Southern captain Harry Taylor has also been called into the squad and will miss Saturday’s club final.
The starting XV features some exciting selections.
Highlanders back-up fullback Finn Hurley has been named in the No 15 jersey and will be joined in the back three by pacy University winger Jeremiah Asi, who has been the best of the wingers on display in club rugby, while former All Black Waisake Naholo will start on the right wing.
Taieri’s Caleb Leef has been given the nod at first five, while first choice pivot Cameron Millar will start from the bench.
Millar aggravated an ankle complaint in a club game last month. He shapes as a vital cog for Otago this season.
Halfback Kieran McClea and loose forward Sam Fischli, who have been named in the starting XV, have been in the United States playing for the New England Free Jacks in Major League Rugby. The Free Jacks beat the San Diego Legion 25-24 in the final.
McClea will be jostling with Nathan Hastie and James Arscott for a starting role once the season starts proper.
Lock Josh Hill has been named at blindside and will join Josh Dickson and Fabian Holland in a powerful lineout.
Impressive Green Island prop Benjamin Lopas will link up with Ricky Jackson and Jermaine Ainsley in a solid front row.
The game against the Stags was going to be played at Hancock Park but has been shifted to Kettle Park.
Otago’s opening game in the NPC is against the Tasman Mako in Nelson on August 4.
Otago coach Tom Donnelly could not be reached for comment.
Otago v Southland
Kettle Park, tomorrow, 2.05pm
Otago: Finn Hurley, Waisake Naholo, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Jack Leslie, Jeremiah Asi, Caleb Leef, Kieran McClea, Sam Fischli, Harry Taylor, Joshua Hill, Josh Dickson, Fabian Holland, Jermaine Ainsley, Ricky Jackson, Benjamin Lopas. Reserves: Henry Bell, Rohan Wingham, Saula Ma’u, Will Tucker, Sean Withy, James Arscott, Cameron Millar, Sam Gilbert, Jona Nareki, Jake Te Hiwi, Josh Whaanga, Nathan Hastie, Ajay Faleafaga, Jermaine Pepe, Tom Sanders, Will Stodart.
