But one who has been around for a while - and who takes his first tentative steps in a Highlanders jersey after a long break this afternoon - may have a bigger impact for the southern franchise than any star signing.
Southland flanker John Hardie will get his first run in nearly a year when he takes the field against the Crusaders in a pre-season match in Oamaru.
Hardie has endured a tough past 11 months. He started last season's Super 15 in top form but broke a toe in early March, ending his season. A comeback for Southland in August lasted all of five minutes, before the toe played up again.
He has seen plenty of the sideline since then and now gets his chance to take the first step in what he hopes is a worthwhile journey.
Cocach of the Highlanders Jamie Joseph said Hardie was now ready to play.
''He's been training really well and he's been very prudent in his approach so far. He came back to the Southland season potentially a wee bit too early and injured his toe again,'' Joseph said.
''That is something he does not want to happen again and if I am reading him rightly, he will be jumping out of his skin.''
Before he was injured, the Southlander looked very comfortable at this level last year.
A fit and in-form Hardie is as important a key as any for the Highlanders this year.
There are bound to be signs of rust in his performance but just getting some miles on the clock is the assignment today.
Also looking to log some minutes are All Blacks Tony Woodcock and Ma'a Nonu, who will get to wear the Highlanders jersey for the first time this afternoon.
Woodcock will share front row duties with Ma'afu Fia and Brayden Mitchell while Nonu, as expected, teams up with Phil Burleigh in midfield.
With the serious shoulder injury to Tamati Ellison, a new centre is needed. Joseph said nothing had been decided and the position was open.
Expect a much sharper focus from the Highlanders this afternoon, after a disappointing effort against the Chiefs last week.
Joseph was hurt as a coach by some of the tries conceded last week, and said he wanted more passion from his side.
''In the tighter areas they outpassioned and outworked us ... we have to get it right quickly. We have been working very hard in that area and we will get a different commitment level in that area from the players.
''There is nothing like a loss to sharpen the toolbox. I would never say this team at any time I have been here has not had a focus at training. But you have to have a yardstick to measure your systems on and clearly, on the weekend, we never met those. So clearly, all week we have been getting that right.''
Pre-season matches can be a lottery and the score soon becomes irrelevant as players come and go.
But the Highlanders need to show more accuracy and urgency, especially in the forwards.
The Crusaders are not playing all their stars but have made an interesting selection with Israel Dagg at centre.
Wyatt Crockett and Luke Romano are two All Blacks returning to the Crusaders forward pack.
Highlanders v Crusaders
Oamaru, today, 4.30pm
Referee: Garrat Williamson (Wellington)
Highlanders: Buxton Popoali'i, Kade Poki, Phil Burleigh, Ma'a Nonu, Hosea Gear (captain), Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Elliot Dixon, John Hardie, Joe Wheeler, Jarrad Hoeata, Brad Thorn, Ma'afu Fia, Brayden Mitchell, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Hugh Blake, Liam Coltman, Tom Franklin, Paul Grant, Jamie Mackintosh, Bronson Murray, Jason Emery, Hayden Parker, Fumiaki Tanaka, Shaun Treeby, Frae Wilson.
Crusaders: Tom Marshall, Adam Whitelock, Israel Dagg, Ryan Crotty (captain), Johnny McNicholl, Tom Taylor, Andy Ellis, Jordan Taufua, Shane Christie, Luke Whitelock, Dominic Bird, Luke Romano, Pa'ea Fa'anunu, Ben Funnell, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Codie Taylor, Adrian Barone, Joe Moody, Jimmy Tupou, Jeremy Sua, Willi Heinz, Robbie Fruean, Telusa Veainu, Joel Everson, Mitch Graham.