Several players named in the extended Wairarapa-Bush rugby training squad to prepare for a friendly against New Zealand Universities at Memorial Park, Masterton, next Tuesday have made themselves unavailable.
Head coach Mark Rutene said yesterday about "half a dozen" had indicated they were not yet prepared to make the commitments necessary for playing at representative level.
"It's a bit disappointing but at least we know where they stand," he said.
"I guess some of them might have a change of heart as things progress but, right now, they are out of the picture."
Rutene is unsure just how many players he and assistant coach Paddy Gough will field for the NZU match which came about through a desire by NZU to organise a warm-up before they took on Japan four days later.