Rugby: Fresh faces in Canterbury squad

Canterbury have included 10 new faces in their 35-man squad for the Air New Zealand Cup.

They are wing Tu Umaga-Marshall, No 8 Ash Parker, halfback Willie Heinz, hooker Will Catherwood, lock Luke Romano, prop Andrew Olorenshaw, prop Rodney Ah You, flanker Matt Todd, wing Chris Small and fullback Sam Monaghan.

Some players named are injured and may not be available for the season opener, against North Harbour at Albany on August 1.

They are Peter Borlase, Casey Laulala, Andy Ellis, Corey Flynn, Dan Carter, Ti'i Paulo, Umaga-Marshall, Richie McCaw and James Paterson.

Canterbury coach Rob Penney was also prepared to have limited use of All Blacks McCaw, Kieran Read, George Whitelock, Isaac Ross, Owen Franks, Wyatt Crockett and Brad Thorn during the season.

"We are really pleased with the quality of players we have in the squad," he said.

"There is a good mix of young guys and more experienced players."

Defending champions Canterbury play pre-season games against Southland in Invercargill on July 17, and Wellington at Westpac Stadium on July 24.

- NZPA