There are also 21 players in the squad named yesterday who have played Super Rugby this year, so a lack of big-time experience cannot be used as an excuse if Otago do not challenge at the crunch end of the season.
Aho was a New Zealand under-19 representative in 2022 alongside future Highlanders Ajay Faleafaga, Finn Hurley, Will Stodart and Jack Taylor.
A big, mobile lock who came to Dunedin from Auckland to join the Otago academy, he has been a consistently strong performer in club rugby.
Otago have two Highlanders locks, Fabian Holland and Will Tucker, but there was a vacancy in the second row following the departure of veteran Josh Dickson to Japan.
Elsewhere, the squad named by coach Tom Donnelly is remarkably stable, though there could yet be players added on development or injury contracts.
The only other "new" face from last year is veteran hooker Liam Coltman, who returns after two years in France and will get ready to play his 83rd game for Otago.
A powerful front row will be bookended by All Blacks prop George Bower, rising Highlanders Saula Ma’u and Rohan Wingham, and Moana Pasifika regular Abraham Pole.
Crusaders No 8 Christian Lio-Willie returns to his home province to guide a workhorse loose forward squadron including Highlanders starter Oliver Haig.
There are only two halfbacks, though it would not be a shock to see New Zealand under-20 star Dylan Pledger get a run at some stage, and only three specialist outside backs.
Josh Whaanga is listed as a midfielder but started seven games on the wing last year, while there remains speculation Otago will enlist an extra winger at some stage.
Thomas Umaga-Jensen lines up in midfield after missing the Highlanders campaign. There will also be keen interest in the development of Jake Te Hiwi.
Southern No 8 Konrad Toleafoa, Kaikorai loosie Lucas Casey and exciting Dunedin outside back Kyan Rangitutia will assemble with the squad as injury cover from July 22.
Otago, who finished a disappointing 11th in the NPC last year with just three wins from 10 games, have lost some oomph up front with Dickson, Jermaine Ainsley (France) and Sean Withy (Southland) all heading off.
But there are plenty of locals, including 13 educated at Otago secondary schools, and continuity on the roster.
"We believe in this group and we’re proud to see so many local players who have come through our system," Donnelly said.
"We are a tight group. We love representing Otago and are proud to wear the golden O.
"We are looking forward to this season and to perform to a level that our loyal fans can get behind and be proud of."
Donnelly and incumbent assistant Ryan Bambry will be joined by new local coaches Kane Jury and Will Henry along with former Brumbies player Lachlan McCaffrey as a specialist defensive coach.
Otago’s first NPC game is against Southland in Invercargill on August 10.
Otago NPC
The squad
Hookers: Henry Bell (Kaikorai), Liam Coltman (Alhambra-Union).
Props: George Bower (Harbour), Benjamin Lopas (Green Island), Saula Ma’u (Harbour), Abraham Pole (Harbour), Rohan Wingham (Dunedin).
Locks: Fabian Holland (Dunedin), Ale Aho (University), Will Tucker (Kaikorai).
Loose forwards: Sam Fischli (Taieri), Will Stodart (University), Harry Taylor (Southern), Oliver Haig (Green Island), Christian Lio-Willie (Kaikorai), Tom Sanders (Alhambra-Union).
Halfbacks: James Arscott (Green Island), Nathan Hastie (Harbour).
First fives: Ajay Faleafaga (Dunedin), Cameron Millar (Taieri).
Midfielders: Sam Gilbert (Green Island), Jack Leslie (Southern), Jake Te Hiwi (Green Island), Josh Timu (Southern), Thomas Umaga-Jensen (University), Josh Whaanga (Taieri).
Outside backs: Jeremiah Asi (University), Finn Hurley (Green Island), Jona Nareki (Alhambra-Union).
