Tuitupou captain as Auckland name squad

Steve Devine helps construct a new deck at the team's training facility at Unitec. Phil Walter / Getty Images

Auckland coach Pat Lam has revealed a squad of 27 for the new domestic competition, the Air New Zealand Cup, with a surprise choice as skipper, Sam Tuitupou.

Nine former All Blacks have been named in the squad, including hooker Derren Witcombe, who returns following a serious neck injury.

The announcement was made today as players helped to construct a new deck at the team's training facility at Unitec.

Troy Flavell has been ruled out of rugby for the rest of the year.

Auckland Rugby has confirmed that Flavell needs surgery on his injured shoulder.

He suffered the injury late in the Super 14, but tried to play through the All Blacks initial tests last month.

Lam is confident they can cover the loss, because as yet they have not been able to use him to train or play.

The squad is: John Afoa (University), Nick White (Waitemata), Saimone Taumoepeau (Marist), Chris Heard (University), Tevita Mailau (Otahuhu), Lance Poching (Otahuhu), Derren Witcombe (Grammar-Carlton), Jay Williams (Ponsonby), Kurtis Haiu (Marist), Brad Mika (Otahuhu), Joe Tekori (Waitakere City), Jerome Kaino (University), Andrew Blowers (Suburbs), Daniel Braid (University), Onosa'I Tololima-Auva'a (Grammar-Carlton), Steve Devine (Marist), Taniela Moa (Te Papapa), Tasesa Lavea (Papatoetoe), Lachie Munro (Grammar-Carlton), Sam Tuitupou (Ponsonby), Ben Atiga (Ponsonby), Jamie Helleur (University), Chris Mahoney (University), Isa Nacewa (Grammar-Carlton), David Smith (Ponsonby), James Somerset (Marist), Brent Ward (University).

- NEWSTALK ZB