KEY POINTS:
Hooker Hikawera Elliot heads north while more of his Hawke's Bay teammates will venture south to fulfil their Super 14 rugby commitments next year.
The Air NZ Cup semifinalists have contributed eight players to the five New Zealand franchises named today, with Elliot drafted by the Chiefs.
A fringe All Blacks consideration, Elliot will pack down with Serge Lilo, who has been released by Wellington in an indication of their depth in the loose forward positions.
The flights south from Napier will be busier, though, with four Hawke's Bay players being picked up by the Highlanders - loose forward George Naoupu, first five-eighth Matt Berquist, No 12 Jason Shoemark and young fullback Israel Dagg.
As well, prop Clint Newland has been named in the Highlanders 28-man squad after recently transferring from Hawke's Bay to Otago.
Another three Hawke's Bay products will appear for the Hurricanes, with young winger Zac Guildford being joined by loose forward Karl Lowe and lock Bryn Evans.
In all 30 Super rookies will take their places in 2009, while Wellington and Canterbury provide the most players, with 22 each.
The Hurricanes have selected seven players new to the Super 14, among them Manawatu lock Bryn Evans and Wellington's Dane Coles, Victor Vito and teenaged first five-eighth Dan Kirkpatrick, while they also picked up Southland midfield back Jason Kawau in the draft.
Canterbury first-five Colin Slade's impressive Air NZ Cup form has earned him promotion to the reigning champion Crusaders.
He is one of five Canterbury players named to make the step up to the Crusaders ranks for the first time, along with Jared Payne, who has transferred from Northland, Owen Franks, Adam Whitelock and Ryan Crotty.
Southland, who reached the semifinals of the Air NZ Cup, may have reason to feel miffed that their contribution to the Highlanders amounted to just eight players despite them comfortably out-performing franchise partners Otago.
Otago provide 15 players, including new transfers Jayden Hayward, Hayden Triggs, Johnny Leota and Fetu'u Vainikolo, while halfback Sean Romans will debut at Super 14 level.
The Blues have picked up Wellington five-eighth Michael Hobbs on the draft, and other newcomers at this level for the northern franchise are Auckland prop Charlie Faumuina and Northland back Rene Ranger.
Wing Lelia Masaga has retained his place in the Chiefs, the only Counties-Manukau player named among the five franchises.
- NZPA
