He will have his first test when he leads the team against Tasman at Forsyth Barr Stadium tomorrow.
Grant led by example and played a key role to help University A lift itself from second bottom to the semifinals in the club season.
The warm-up game against Tasman is important for coach Tony Brown and his coaching staff as they build towards the ITM Cup.
"We want to improve on things we did against South Canterbury now that we have got the full squad together," Brown said.
"It is just a starting point for us."
A shadow Otago team, playing as the Sassenachs, had an 87-0 win against South Canterbury but tomorrow will be a more difficult task.
"We are playing against a pretty good outfit in Tasman.
"They like to throw the ball around and will enjoy playing at the stadium," Brown said.
"We also like to play the game at speed.
"It should be an exciting game."
The Otago squad has trained together since the start of the season but the players have had to earn selection in the final squad by making their mark in club rugby.
"We have created a lot of depth and competition within the squad. It is exciting." Brown said.
"A lot of guys will get game time on Sunday."
Hayden Parker, who kicked the long-range penalty goal to win the club championship for Taieri, will be the goal kicker against Tasman.
The first five-eighth proved he has the big match temperament with an outstanding display in the club final.
There is also counter-attacking speed at the back where fullback Tony Ensor and Matt Faddes are the fastest players in the squad.
Ensor scored 14 tries for Kaikorai in the club season.and made his mark in the squad when he scored three tries against South Canterbury.
"He's done really well since he has joined us and deserves his spot in the squad," Brown said.
Dunedin hooker Sam Anderson-Heather, who was the standout player along with No 8 Gareth Evans in the club final, gets the starting spot tomorrow.
"Sam is one of three hookers in the ITM Cup squad," Brown said.
"We don't have a No 1 in any position.
"He will get his opportunity on Sunday.
"He has been troubled by injuries over the last few years so it will be good to see how he goes for Otago.
"I thought all the Dunedin forwards played well in the club final and Sam led them really well, with his physicality around the field." Brown said the Otago team was keen to get started with a harder pre-season game.
"All the boys are really keen.
"I hope we have a good season.
"Everyone will enjoy watching Otago play this year.
"It will be an exciting year for Otago rugby."
Otago v Tasman
Forsyth Barr Stadium, tomorrow, 1pm
Otago: Tony Ensor, Matt Faddes, Jayden Spence, Glenn Dickson, Buxton Popoali'i, Hayden Parker, Fumiaka Tanaka, Paul Grant (captain), Lee Allan, TJ Ioane, Tom Franklin, Rob Verbakel, Aki Seiuli, Sam Anderson-Heather, Scott Manson.
Reserves: Shota Horie, Liam Coltman, Tama Tuirirangi, Justin Ives, Adam Hill, Hugh Blake, Gareth Evans, Brad Weber, Peter Breen, Michael Collins, Marshall Suckling.
Tasman: Peter Betham, James Lowe, Kieron Fonotia, Andrew Goodman (captain), Mitchell Scott, Robbie Malneek, Steve Alfeld, Vernon Fredericks, Gary Redmond, Tevita Koloamatangi, Joe Wheeler, Filipo Levi, Campbell Johnstone, Francis Smith, Sam Prattley.
Reserves: Quentin MacDonald, Tim Perry, Tevita Cavubati, Shane Christie, Jeremy Su'a, Hayden Cripps, Bryce Heem.
