Umaga to captain Wellington

Tana Umaga

Tana Umaga will lead Wellington in the new-look national provincial rugby championship, with the former All Blacks skipper available for the full duration of the competition.

Coach John Plumtree today announced a strong squad for the inaugural Air New Zealand Cup, containing 11 test players.

Six of them -- Ma'a Nonu, Piri Weepu, Rodney So'oialo, Chris Masoe, Jerry Collins and Neemia Tialata -- will be available at some stage after they return from All Blacks duty.

Centre Conrad Smith has been included even though he hasn't played since breaking his leg when playing for the Hurricanes early in the Super 14. He has rehabilitated well but it is unclear when he will return to the field.

Notable selections include the return of halfback Jason Spice from Ospreys, who will be looking to add to his 55 Wellington appearances, and New Zealand under-19 captain Victor Vito, considered an exciting talent.

In a management change, Hurricanes assistant coach Murray Roulston joins as technical advisor, with Chris Boyd continuing as assistant coach to Plumtree.

Wellington play their first game away to Taranaki on July 29.

Wellington squad:

Backs: Shannon Paku, Cory Jane, Lome Fa'atau, Hosea Gear, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Tana Umaga (captain), Tane Tu'ipulotu, Tamati Ellison, Jimmy Gopperth, Piri Weepu, Jason Spice, Nigel Hunt

Forwards: Rodney So'oialo, Thomas Waldrom, Victor Vito, Chris Masoe, Ben Herring, Serge Lilo, Jerry Collins, Luke Andrews, Ross Filipo, Ross Kennedy, Jeremy Thrush, John Schwalger, Joe McDonnell, Neemia Tialata, Kuramate Tuirirangi, Luke Mahoney, Mahonri Schwalger

- NZPA