Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger has named eight new faces in his squad for the 2018 season, including Canterbury wing Josh McKay and three Tasman Makos.
Makos forwards Shannon Frizell, Pari Pari Parkinson and Tyrel Lomax join McKay, while Counties prop Kalolo Tuiloma, Counties outside back Tevita Nabura and Wellington midfielder Thomas Umaga-Jensen are also new.
Otago first five-eighth Josh Ioane is the other new player, and will cover Lima Sopoaga and Fletcher Smith in the No 10 jersey.
There is no space for former Highlanders co-captain Shane Christie, who didn't play at all last season due to an "illness".
"It's been interesting watching the Mitre 10 Cup, as you do get to see a lot of younger players getting an opportunity to display their abilities," first year coach Mauger said in a statement.
"We're very happy with the group of younger guys we have managed to pick up, they will mesh nicely with the more established players we already have. One aspect young players always bring to any squad is boundless enthusiasm and energy; as a coach you always look to embrace that."
Young Tasman lock Parkinson has joined last season's rookie Josh Dickson to add depth to the experienced locking trio of Alex Ainley, Tom Franklin and Jackson Hemopo.
"Fair to say in Josh and Pari Pari we have two players that we believe will flourish in our environment, working with coaches Mark Hammett, Clarke Dermody and alongside their peers to develop their game. Jackson Hemopo's last few seasons are a great example of how that can work," Mauger said.
Mauger was also enthusiastic about what Frizell brought to the team.
"Shannon is a rangy loose forward with excellent aerial skills who can cover the lock position. He figured strongly for the Makos this season and was impressive with the ball in hand and has a very high work rate. We are excited about helping Shannon grow his game to the next level."
The team, minus those involved in international fixtures, will assemble in Dunedin on Thursday 30 November.
HIGHLANDERS SQUAD FOR 2018
Forwards: Luke Whitelock, Liam Squire, Elliot Dixon, Shannon Frizell, Dillon Hunt, James Lentjes , Dan Pryor, Alex Ainley, Tom Franklin, Jackson Hemopo, Josh Dickson, Pari Pari Parkinson, Kalolo Tuiloma, Siate Tokolahi, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Tyrel Lomax, Aki Seiuli, Guy Millar, Ash Dixon, Greg Pleasants-Tate, Liam Coltman
Backs: Ben Smith, Josh McKay, Tevita Li, Waisake Naholo, Tevita Nabura, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Richard Buckman, Patelesio Tomkinson, Matt Faddes, Rob Thompson, Teihorangi Walden, Lima Sopoaga, Fletcher Smith, Josh Ioane, Josh Renton, Kayne Hammington, Aaron Smith
Gains: Josh McKay, Tevita Nabura, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Josh Ioane, Shannon Frizell, Pari Pari Parkinson, Kalolo Tuiloma, Tyrel Lomax
Losses: Shane Christie, Siosuia Halanukonuka, Malakai Fekitoa, Craig Millar, Joe Wheeler, Gareth Evans, Hayden Parker, Patrick Osborne, Jason Emery.
Photo by: ROBYN EDIE/ STUFF (Caption: Aaron Mauger makes his debut as a Super Rugby head coach in 2018, with the Highlanders)