Samoa's Fijian-born winger Sailosi Tagacakibau has been named in the Taranaki squad for this year's NPC.
Former Hurricanes Super 12 prop Jason Hooper is a surprise omission though.
The 30-year-old is believed to have landed a playing contract in France.
Taranaki coach Kieran Crowley has named 24 players, with two spots -- one
for a hooker and the other for a utility back -- to be filled.
The obvious contenders are New Plymouth Old Boys hooker Phil Mitchell and Southern's first five-eighth/fullback Sam Young.
Hooper has played 35 games for Taranaki plus a couple of games for a Taranaki 15.
"Nothing is confirmed. I may end up staying here," he said.
Newcomers in the Taranaki backs include Tagicakibau, Scott Ireland, former Manawatu midfielder Lifeimi Mafi, and Australian Brock James.
There are four new faces in the pack. Prop Hamish Mitchell, former Manawatu lock Jason Eaton, flanker Joe Lawn, and Hurricanes development No 8 Tomasi Soqeta.
Taranaki's five Super 12 players -- All Blacks hooker Andrew Hore, prop Tony Penn, captain and lock Paul Tito and loose forwards Brent Thompson and Chris Masoe -- provide expereience to the side.
The ther experienced players named in the side are Gordon Slater, Tama Tuirirangi and Reece Robinson.
Taranaki squad:
Backs: Shayne Austin, Sailosi Tagicakabau, Scott Ireland, Chris Woods, Mathew Harvey, Mark Stewart, Lifeimi Mafi, Brock James, Brendan Haami, Craig Fevre.
Forwards: Andrew Hore, Tony Penn, Gordon Slater, Tama Tuirirangi, Hamish Mitchell, Paul Tito (captain), Reece Robinson, Scott Breman, Jason Eaton, Brent Thompson, Chris Masoe, John Willis, Joe Lawn, Tomasi Soqeta.
Two players to be added.
- NZPA
