The two clubs that pulled out of the country club competition last year are back this season.
Otago Country board chairman Geoff McPhee said both clubs had signalled they would be back with teams for this year's competition.
The competition in the southern region last year had only seven teams after Lawrence withdrew, which brought about a bye in the competition.
Clyde-Earnscleugh withdrew after a lack of front rowers meant it was unable to front with a team.
However, McPhee said both clubs were ready for the 2016 season.
Lawrence had won the countrywide competition in 2014 but players leaving the area and retirements forced the side into recess last year.
Lawrence, though, got organised and has a team for this year.
It will be coached by Kelvin Wyber and Stu Cotton and has its first pre-season games against Matakanui Combined today.
The South Otago competition starts on April 2.
Clyde-Earnscleugh will be coached by former player Corey Crosbie.
The Central Otago competition, featuring nine teams, will kick off on April 2.
There will be no senior B competition after clubs such as Upper Clutha and Cromwell indicated they would not be able to get a second team.
There was a proposal to have a 10s competition but it failed to gain significant support from clubs.
The Wakatipu Wanderers will play in the Southland club competition in one of the lower divisions this season after being given permission to do so by the Otago Country board.
