There is a changing of the guard in Otago rugby, with up to seven new faces set to debut for the province next month.
Otago coach Steve Martin yesterday named a training squad of 27, containing just six players with more than 20 caps following Tuesday's trial in Balclutha.
In the forwards, the new faces are Highlanders and Zingari Richmond No 8 Steven Setephano, University A lock-flanker Hoani Matenga and Harbour flanker Eben Joubert.
New backs are Highlanders and Dunedin first five-eighth Daniel Bowden, University A midfield backs Andrew Parata and Dan Snee and Alhambra-Union fullback Casey Stone.
There is also a recall for Harbour prop Ben Nolan, while University No 8 Paul Grant and University halfback Sean Romans are both selected after playing just a single game each for Otago in last year's Air New Zealand Cup.
"I'm very happy because we've looked for players who are keen to play for Otago and fight hard in every game," Martin said.
"The trial showed us there are talented players here who desperately want to be a part of it."
One of the features of the squad is the selection of Nolan, who has not played for Otago since 2003.
He was a Highlander the following year but then had chronic foot injuries and was sidelined when a pig ripped holes in his calf with its tusk while on a hunting trip.
"Ben was a Super 14 player a few years ago but has obviously had some real setbacks since then," Martin said.
"It's a bit of a warm, fuzzy story for him to make his way back into the top arena. He's always had the ability."
Otago has always had good loose forwards and Matenga and Joubert are the latest off the production line, though Joubert is a product of the South African system.
Matenga has thrived as the captain of a University A side under rookie premier coach John Leslie.
He and Joubert will put the pressure on experienced flankers Alando Soakai and Craig Newby when they return from injury.
"Hoani has been particularly impressive over the last three or four weeks," Martin said.
"His workrate has been excellent and he plays a tight-loose game. We don't see him as a lock at this stage but he's very aggressive in the contact area.
"Eben's had good experience overseas. He's particularly strong in the tackle and foraging area, almost like an older-style seven."
Snee and Parata are both in contention for the second five-eighth role, though Snee can also cover 10 and Parata is seen as quick enough to play wing or centre.
Stone is the only specialist fullback in the training squad.
Ben Smith made his debut for Otago at fullback last year and can also cover 10 and 12, but Martin is keen to see him specialise at centre.
Newby was not considered because of his neck injury.
Fullback Craig Clare (ankle) and No 8 Ezra Taylor (knee) are also out at the moment, while New Zealand Maori players Keith Cameron and Glen Horton will not be available until near the end of July.
All Black flanker Adam Thomson is unlikely to play for Otago this year.
Martin will talk to North Otago coach Mike Mullins soon to firm up which Dunedin players will be loaned to the Heartland champion.
Mullins would love to get first five Glenn Dickson back, while wingers Alipate Fatafehi and Randall Kamea could also be in line for a spell in Oamaru.
Otago Training squad
Forwards: Jason Macdonald, Peter Mirrielees, Jed Vercoe, Jeremy Aldworth, Sam Hibbard, Ben Nolan, Tom Donnelly, Uili Kolo'ofai, Seko Qaraniqio, Ross Kennedy, Alando Soakai, Steven Setephano, Paul Grant, Hoani Matenga, Eben Joubert.
Backs: Toby Morland, Sean Romans, Chris Noakes, Daniel Bowden, Andrew Parata, Aaron Bancroft, Dan Snee, Brett Mather, Ben Smith, Lucky Mulipola, Karne Hesketh, Casey Stone.
