KEY POINTS:
Euro-flight, injuries, retirements and All Blacks duties have reshaped the Waikato rugby squad for this year's national championship.
Waikato coach Tony Hanks' 28-strong squad announced today includes 13 new players this season.
Last year's players now overseas are Steven Bates, Marty Holah, Byron Kelleher, Roy Kinikinilau and Tom Willis.
Jono Gibbes and Keith Robinson have retired and lock Mark Burman and halfback Brendon Leonard are some months away from seeing action after knee surgery.
All Blacks Mils Muliaina, Richard Kahui, Sione Lauaki, Sitiveni Sivivatu and Stephen Donald are expected to return late in the season, if they are healthy once their Tri-Nations commitments end on September 13.
The Air New Zealand Cup ends on October 25.
Hanks has called up nine new forwards - Hikairo Forbes (prop), Josh Hohneck (prop), Oli Avei (hooker), Romana Graham (lock), Kevin O'Neill (lock), Matt Blain (loose forward), Tom Harding (loose forward), Faifili Levave (loose forward), Jordon Smiler (loose forward).
The four new backs are Callum Bruce (first five-eighth), Trent Renata (first five-eighth/fullback), Tim Mikkelson (wing), and Henry Speight (wing).
Loose forward Liam Messam, who has played 50 games for the Mooloos, has been named captain.
"Liam personifies what we all about in the Waikato," Hanks said.
"He is committed, loyal and driven to be successful. Liam will do a great job and he will be well supported by senior players such as pre-season captains Toby Lynn and Sosene Anesi."
Hanks said the new signings would replace the experience lost to the side through retirement or to overseas clubs.
Bruce, O'Neill, Harding, Levave and Avei were in form and their experience leading into this campaign was extensive and solid.
Hanks is in his first season as coach, succeeding Warren Gatland who left to take charge of Wales last year.
Waikato will play Bay of Plenty on Thursday night in Hamilton in a pre-season match.
Their start their Cup campaign against Northland in Whangarei on July 31.
Waikato
Forwards: Aled de Malamanche, Hikairo Forbes, Josh Hohneck, Nathan White, Craig West, Oli Avei, Vern Kamo, Kent Fife, Romana Graham, Toby Lynn, Kevin O'Neill, Matt Blain, Tom Harding, Faifili Levave, Liam Messam, Jordan Smiler.
Backs: Malcolm Barnes, David Bason, Callum Bruce, Trent Renata, Roimata Hansell-Pune, Dwayne Sweeney, Watene Waenga, Jackson Willison, James Kamana, Tim Mikkelson, Henry Speight, Sosene Anesi.
- NZPA
