After winning the B grade title last year, Dunedin have been elevated to A grade this season and will be the only South Island team in the division.
They will meet some tough competition in two Waikato Tainui teams, Wellington, North Harbour and Rotorua over the next four days at Rodney Green Area in Hawke’s Bay.
Dunedin, coached by John Mathias, have a good blend of youth and experience, including captain Byron Sanders.
Goal attack Vincent Laban, who is still at King’s High School, has been impressive in his rapid rise through the ranks.
Laban, who will serve as vice-captain, has been named in the New Zealand under-20 side heading to Singapore to compete in the Nations Cup.
Dunedin will open their campaign against North Harbour and Rotorua today.
Waikato Tainui 1 are the defending champions after dispatching Wellington 57-51 in the final last year.
An Invercargill team will compete in B grade while Murihiku will play in the second reserve grade.
NZ men’s championships
Dunedin squad
Byron Sanders, Vincent Laban, Hamish Ross, Dylan Moore, Joeey Kumeroa, Dylan Kawana-Waugh, Harry Dynes, Matt Dunstan, Mark Dore, Mathew Amituanai.
