Front-rowers Josh Hohneck (Eastern) and Sef Fa’agase (Kaikorai) have been confirmed for the 2021 campaign.
Hohneck started in all 11 games for Otago last year and the 35-year-old tighthead had a solid season for the Highlanders.
The Maori All Black returned from a playing stint in England last year because of Covid-19 and has impressed.
His experience and ability to hold his end up in the scrum will be invaluable for the province.
He will be joined in the squad by former Australian squad member Fa’agase, who made two appearances off the bench for Otago last season.
Former Southland midfield Ray Nu’u has been in impressive form for Green Island in the premier grade this season.
The 23-year-old joins Otago after three seasons with the Stags and will strengthen a quality midfield where there will be a lot of competition for places.
Nu’u, who is understood to have turned down a contract offer to return to Southland, has a wonderful offload and an ability to create half gaps in heavy traffic.
He is a Canterbury product and honed his skills at centre for St Andrew’s College.
He also featured in Canterbury age-group sides before linking up with the Crusaders Academy.
But an injury in 2017 stalled his progress and he popped up in Southland the following year.
Nu’u will be linking up with club teammate and powerful No8 Dylan Nel, who was confirmed in the Otago team last week alongside flanker James Lentjes and halfback Kayne Hammington.
Outside back Matt Faddes, prop Jermaine Ainsley and lock Will Tucker are among the other confirmed players in this year’s squad.
Meanwhile, Southland has signed former Otago and Highlanders halfback Josh Renton.
The 27-year-old made his debut for Otago against Southland in 2013 and has played 42 games at National Provincial Championship level.
He also played for the Highlanders between 2015 and 2017, but since 2018, Renton has been based in Italy where he has played for Zebre in the Pro14 competition.
Fellow halfback Liam Howley has also re-signed with the Stags.
