Dowd, Innes out of Auckland's squad

Veterans Craig Dowd and Craig Innes have been dropped from the 33-man Auckland NPC squad.

Dowd was not considered for the squad because he is negotiating an early release from his contract with the New Zealand Rugby Football Union. Innes is playing club rugby and was available for selection.

The Auckland Rugby Union said it was agreed that Innes would continue training and be available for selection if required.

Prop Dowd has been the subject of several overseas offers.

"We wouldn't stand in his way in terms of his Auckland contract," said coach Wayne Pivac.

"He's been a loyal servant of Auckland rugby for 10 years."

Pivac said there was young talent in the squad and team management had sat down with Innes after the Super 12.

Both sides had agreed it was time to go in different directions. Innes was approaching 32 and had just had his first child, so the time was right for him.

"We believe we have plenty of cover there."

Innes would play at club level for Ponsonby and be available if required.

The squad includes two injured players, Orene Ai'i and Daniel Braid, and the sole Auckland All Black, Doug Howlett.

As well as veterans such as Robin Brooke (103 games for Auckland) and Eroni Clarke (134), it includes youngsters such as Bradley Mika, Stephen Bates and Tane Tuipulotu, from the New Zealand Colts, and Sam Tuitupou, captain of the NZ Under-19 team that won the world under-19 championship in Chile.

Squad: Nick White, Paul Thomson, Christian Califano, Lopeti Samiu, Keven Mealamu, James Christian, Robin Brooke, Charles Riechelmann, Bradley Mika, Justin Collins, Xavier Rush, Samiu Vahafolau, Finau Maka, Steven Bates, Steve Devine, Ben Meyer, Carlos Spencer, James Arlidge, Amasio Valence, Tane Tuipulotu, Jeremy Stanley, Eroni Clarke, Iliesa Tanivula, Justin Wilson, Joeli Vidiri, Malili Muliaina, Sam Tuitupou, Tomato Leupolu, Tom Curtis, Gavin Williams, Orene Ai'i, Daniel Braid, Doug Howlett.