Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph has named a largely predictable side to compete in next year's Super 15.
All Blacks hooker Andrew Hore will be the captain.
Winger Declan O'Donnell has joined the side from the Chiefs, while Jake Paringatai comes back from Japan to join the team.
Southland No 8 Elliot Dixon is again included after an injury-plagued couple of years. Bay of Plenty midfielder Phil Burleigh, who had impressed with the side at the start of last season, has stayed with the side.
Star loose forward Adam Thomson is missing from the roster and is believed to have accepted a contract to play for a club side in Japan.
The side's first game is against the defending champions Chiefs at Forsyth Barr Stadium on February 22.
Highlanders 2013
Hookers: Andrew Hore, Liam Coltman, Brayden Mitchell
Props: Tony Woodcock, Jamie Mackintosh, Chris King, Ma'afu Fia
Locks: Brad Thorn, Jarrad Hoeata, Josh Bekhuis
Loose forwards: John Hardie, Tim Boys, Joe Wheeler, Nasi Manu, Jake Paringatai, Elliot Dixon
Halfbacks: Fumiaki Tanaka, Aaron Smith
First five-eights: Colin Slade, Lima Sopoaga, Hayden Parker
Midfield backs: Shaun Treeby, Ma'a Nonu, Jason Emery, Tamati Ellison, Phil Burleigh
Outside backs: Ben Smith, Hosea Gear, Kade Poki, Buxton Popoali'i, Declan O'Donnell
Gone from last year: Kurt Baker (not selected), Jimmy Cowan (England), Nick Crosswell (Chiefs), Doug Tietjens (not selected), Jame Haskell (England), Kendrick Lynn (not selected), Bronson Murray (not selected), Chris Noakes (Blues), Siale Piutau (Japan), Culum Retallick (Blues), Jason Rutledge (not selected), Adam Thomson (not available), Telusa Veainu (not selected)
