Rugby: Dowd back in NPC action

All Blacks prop Craig Dowd, out of rugby since the Super 12 because of injury, has been named in the Auckland squad for the NPC.

Former All Black trialist and prop Mana Otai and ex-North Harbour prop Scott Palmer are also included in a 32-man squad to prepare for this year's NPC championship.

The Wayne Pivac-coached squad starts training next Monday for lead-up games against North Harbour on August 3 and Canterbury on August 7. The Canterbury match is at the end of a training camp in Blenheim.

Auckland squad: Backs: Adrian Cashmore, Doug Howlett, Malili Muliana, Rico Gear, Dan Parkinson, Ilisea Tanivula, Craig Innes, Eroni Clarke, Caleb Ralph, Orene Ai'i, Aidan Vince, Tanner Vili, Ofisa Tonu'u, Steve Devine.

Forwards: Xavier Rush, Mark Carter, Finau Maka, Michael Jones, Samui Vahafolau, Charles Riechelmann, Leo Lafaiali'i, Milton Ngaumo, Ben Gissing, Paul Mitchell, Keven Mealamu, James Christian, Grant Hill, Kalau Fukofuka, Mana Otai, Scott Palmer, Craig Dowd, Paul Thomson.