Otago Highlanders squad named

November 11, 2009 - 5:46pm

The Otago Highlanders squad for next year's Super 14 was announced today, with Southland providing the majority of players.

After a strong Air New Zealand Cup, seven Southland forwards have earned their place in the squad, Joe Tuineau and John Hardie making their Super Rugby debuts.

Otago has six forwards named in the squad, including All Blacks Adam Thomson and Tom Donnelly.

The rest of the forwards are made up of returning player Clint Newland of Hawkes Bay, and Nasi Manu of Canterbury and Bronson Murray of Northland, who both have Super Rugby experience but are new to the Highlanders.

Otago provides the most backs, including new All Black Ben Smith.

While Southland star first five eighth Robbie Robinson will make his Super Rugby debut for the Highlanders next year.
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Whether he'll be at first five eighth or fullback is yet to be established as Hawkes Bay first five Matt Berquist is also in the squad, alongside provincial team mate Israel Dagg.

The Highlanders play their first match on February the 13th against the Canterbury Crusaders in Christchurch.