With the influx of new talent into the region as Otago makes a mass of signings for the upcoming ITM Cup, the union has placed some players with clubs while other clubs appear to have missed out.
Union rugby community manager Richard Perkins said the 2011 season was unique, with 11 contracted players coming into the region so far for the Otago season.
He said the process of players being placed with clubs was relatively straightforward, although some players, after talking with their managers, had decided to go to clubs of their own choice.
"I understand the players' collective agreement does restrict the union insisting on which clubs players should go to, but we endeavour to spread the players around as best we can," Perkins said.
"The players will enjoy the club environment in Dunedin and we are sure the clubs who have received a player will benefit from having these young men in their teams."
The union still has to contract some more players and if they are from outside the province, then the same club placement process will take place.
Highlanders players are also turning up in club rugby as coach Jamie Joseph wants all players to stay match fit.
Highlanders high performance manager Greg O'Brien said the franchise was attempting to place players with teams which suited both the club and the Highlanders.
He said once a player turned out for that club, he would be aligned with it for the rest of the season.
Highlanders lined up to play club rugby today are: first five-eighth Lima Sopoaga (Zingari-Richmond), winger Telusa Veainu (Green Island), lock Joe Tuineau (Taieri), Mahonri Schwalger (Pirates), Sean Romans (University) and Halani Aulika (Pirates).
The new Otago signings placed with clubs are: Daniel Crichton (Pirates), Tony Fenner (Southern), Hanipale Galo (Green Island), Buxton Popoali'i (Green Island), Daniel Ramsay (Zingari-Richmond), Ben Atiga (Kaikorai), TJ Ioane (Southern), Rob Verbakel (University), Regan Tamihere (Alhambra-Union), Sam Giddens (Dunedin).
