Five Otago players have been selected for the national team to play Australia in next month's transtasman series in Rotorua.
Dayna Turnbull (24) will captain the side for the first time, while Abbey Johnston (19) and Trisha Hopcroft (20) return for their second and third seasons respectively.
On debut will be school-aged girls McKayler Moore (17), of Columba College, and Olivia O'Neill (17), of St Hilda's Collegiate.
It is impressive for the region and Turnbull said it was ''probably'' the most players Otago had ever had in the team.
Otago has had plenty of success through the age-groups in the sport in recent years and there was a sense that was beginning to transfer to the senior level.
''I think the way we've been building at a younger age-group has definitely shown,'' Turnbull said.
''That's why we've got such a dominant younger group coming through and that's only going to build in our senior age-groups going forward.''
On top of that, it was the first time Otago schoolgirls had been picked for the side.
Turnbull said the team was young and had several school-aged players, but it was very impressive nonetheless.
Playing against Australia for the first time would be a challenge for them, although she had no doubt they could compete with the best.
''[Australia are] world champions and they definitely live up to their reputation.
''They're a very fast-paced team, fit and quick.
''But these girls are full of confidence and they don't have anything to worry about; they can compete with them.''
For Turnbull, the most experienced of the group, being made captain was an added bonus.
''It's a huge honour and it's always been a dream of mine to lead my country.
''So hopefully I can do everyone down here proud and get that gold for me team.''
The transtasman series is played over three test on April 27-29.
