The squad was announced today, with the hooker being named captain.
There are several new names among the team, including livewire Alhambra-Union outside back duo Jona Nareki and Vilimoni Koroi, Southern star first five-eighth Josh Ioane, locks Tom Rowe and Josh Furno and Dunedin utility back Leroy van Dam.
Otago squad for Mitre 10 Cup
Sam Anderson-Heather (c), Donald Brighouse, Michael Collins, Liam Coltman, Josh Dickson, Matt Faddes, Josh Furno, Dillon Hunt, Josh Ioane, Adam Knight, Vilimoni Koroi, James Lentjes, Craig Millar, Jona Nareki, Sekonaia Pole, Josh Renton, Tom Rowe, Jono Ruru, Hisa Sasagi, Mitchell Scott, Patrick Sio, Aki Seiuli, Ben Smith, Fletcher Smith, Gavin Stark, Sione Teu, Sio Tomkinson, Blair Tweed, Leroy van Dam, Tei Walden.
See tomorrow's Otago Daily Times for more.