Andrew Meville has taken over the coaching reins at Zingari-Richmond from Brendon Timmins, who has moved to a role with University.
Melville retired at the end of last season, playing his 100th game for the Colours in the final match of the season. He has coached professionally in Ireland and will bring some club passion to the side.
There will be size in the forwards, with former New Zealand colts lock Joe Latta back from a hip injury, which ruled him out last year. He will captain the side.
Backs Josh Botting and Lachie Moore have come up from South Otago club rugby and Neil Brew will again make an appearance.
Zingari-Richmond finished bottom last year so the only way is up for the men from Montecillo.
Last year: 10th.
Coaches: Andrew Melville (first year), Trevor Shanks (second year).
Gains: Joe Latta (back from injury), Lachie Moore (Clutha Valley), Josh Botting (Clutha Valley).
Losses: Brady Carmichael (Wellington).
Key players: Lock Tom Rowe, hooker Masiu Akavola, midfield back Lachie Moore.
Squad.-
Forwards: Masiu Akavola, Chris Bell, Tom Charteris, Jess Clarke, Colin Enright, Tim Gray, Joe Gregory, Joe Latta (captain), Will Mckee, Jesse Muir, Alex Nicholson, Cameron Oliver, Ashley Page, Chris Preddy, Steven Roberts, Tom Rowe, Jahvard Samson-Noble, Sunny Sanele, Hayden Smaill, Marcel Taani.
Backs: Josh Botting, Neil Brew, Tuhoro Christie, Shaun Driver, Jack Facer, James Graham, Nick Loan, Lachie Moore, Kelly Moore, Campbell Musson, Michael Paulin, Paul Pelesa, Nathan Roberts, Stephen Scoles, Nathan Tupae, Christian Walker.
