Otago Country co-coach Dave Latta says the standard of country rugby has improved this year and picking a side was a hard task.
Otago Country has named 25 players for a short tour of the lower North Island next month, with the team based in Wellington.
The trip is expected to cost about $35,000 and has been underwritten by the Otago Country board.
The side plays Wairarapa-Bush in Masterton on August 8, and then faces Horowhenua-Kapiti in Levin on August 12.
It will then travel to Oamaru to play North Otago on August 15.
The tour, the first for a country team for more than 10 years, will have the players living in a hotel in Wellington for a week, and travelling by bus to the games.
Latta said the side had been very hard to pick, with some players from last year's team missing out due to new players showing better form.
Latta and co-coach Marty Hurring have yet to name a captain.
Otago halfback James Kenny has been named in the squad but his availability and that of first five-eighth Sam Young will be assessed once the Otago side is named.
Both have played games for Otago in pre-season.
Latta said he was pleased with the commitment and standard of club rugby, and players had shown the desire to make the team.
Otago Country had recorded a couple of good years, and that was having an impact on the standard of club play.
A few country players had also spent the season in the Otago advanced training squad, and that was also improving country rugby.
A feature of the squad is the selection of former Highlanders, Otago and Canterbury inside back Charlie Hore.
Hore had been playing overseas and was thought to have lined up a deal at North Harbour.
But the older brother of All Black hooker Andrew is now back on the family farm in Paerau, playing for club side Maniototo, and has made himself available for the tour.
Latta said Hore's experience would be invaluable and he was keen to make an impact with the side.
South Otago High School back Matt Faddes is also included, and Latta said the trip should be a great learning curve for the youngster.
Faddes, who can play fullback and centre, was picked earlier this month in the South Island Secondary Schools side.
Latta said it would be tough to play three games in eight days, but that was what happened in the old days, and players could handle it then and should be able to do so now.
