Otago lend Southland three players for NPC

Otago are to lend Southland three players for this year's NPC first division rugby competition.

Centre Ben Smith, flanker Tim Boys and midfield back Jason Kawau are to join the Southland squad.

Smith and Kawau were regulars for Otago last season, with Smith making making seven starting appearances on the wing.

Smith and Boys are expected to make their Southland debuts against North Otago in a warm-up match in Oamaru this weekend.

Otago are left with Seilala Mapusua, Neil Brew and Jason Shoemark as midfield options.

They have the option of calling back loan players during the first few weeks of the NPC, but that is extremely unlikely.

Winger Matt Saunders is a natural centre and he could provide cover if any of the first-choice players get injured, while Callum Bruce could also be considered.

Boys receives an opportunity to get playing time in the NPC, with Alando Soakai, who was lent to Southland last year, likely to make the Otago squad.

Otago will also provide up to seven players to North Otago for their NPC second division campaign.

Flanker Ray O'Fisa and utility back Luke Herden will play for North Otago for the fourth consecutive season.

North Otago have also signed first five-eighth Matt Adair, Silao Vaisola and prop Mike Diesel, and are seeking a lock and a winger as well.

This will the last season Dunedin-based players will be allowed to play for North Otago.

Otago will field two loan players themselves in the NPC -- North Harbour flanker Craig Newby and Canterbury prop Chris King.

Newby is to sign for Otago next year, but there is no indication Otago will chase Wellington loose forward Thomas Waldrom.

Southland are understood to be keen on Waldrom as No 8 Paul Miller considers his options overseas, and that would bring Waldrom into contention for the Highlanders in the 2006 Super 14.

- NZPA