Maori All Black and Hurricanes lock Isaia Walker-Leawere is among 11 newcomers named in the Hawke's Bay Magpies Mitre 10 Cup squad today.
The other newcomers in the 39-strong squad are Taradale utility back Caleb Makene, who has previously represented Canterbury and Tasman, Napier Technical lock Elijah Martin, Napier Old Boys Marist loosie Hannon Brighouse, Central prop Joel Hintz, a former Wellington Lions player, Taradale's former Blues and Auckland prop Namatahi Waa, Hastings Rugby and Sports midfielders Neria Fomai, a former Southland Stags player, and Timo Vaiusu, Taradale outside back Ollie Sapsford, Napier Old Boys Marist fullback Saia Paese and Napier Pirate Rugby and Sports midfield back Tyrone Dodd-Edwards.
A feature of this year's side is the number of players who have earned themselves selection on the back of solid performances in club rugby.
"This year's squad includes representatives across all 10 premier clubs while all but one [Walker-Leawere] have played club rugby in Hawke's Bay either this year or previously. This continues our strategy to select those from within Hawke's Bay club rugby and developing and promoting our own talent," Hawke's Bay Rugby Union chief executive Jay Campbell said.
Magpies head coach Mark Ozich and his assistant Josh Syms believe they have assembled their most competitive squad since taking over 18 months ago with no fewer than 16 players having experienced Super Rugby.