Otago has continued to shed players from its books but it is still up in the air whether two Japanese internationals will play rugby in the South this season.
Otago Rugby Football Union change manager Jeremy Curragh said as the union had to reduce player costs by $290,000 through its deal to stave off liquidation, it was looking to move on players who were not keen to stay.
Curragh confirmed yesterday former All Black centre Ben Atiga had moved on and had been released from his Otago contract.
Atiga (28) had signed for Otago last year and been steady in the Otago midfield.
But he was looking to reignite his career and, after not making the Highlanders this year, is believed to have headed overseas.
Englishman Tony Fenner, a first five-eighth who was signed for two years last season but never got on the paddock for Otago, has been released while Dan Crichton, a loose forward who also never once played for Otago, has also moved from the South.
Crichton, who had a two-year contract, landed himself in hot water and was arrested twice over assault incidents and was then suspended by the Otago union. He also ripped his hamstring badly shortly before the season started, which knocked him out of contention, even if he had been eligible.
Also gone from the 27-player squad named late last year are midfield back Sam Giddens, props Halani Aulika and James McGougan and flanker Regan Tamihere.
Curragh said a couple more players may be signed in key positions but they would be on minimal contracts.
Hooker Liam Coltman's season is in doubt after injuring his neck in pre-season.
Japan internationals, halfback Fumiaki Tanaka and hooker Shota Horie, have been linked with Otago and have a connection with Otago coach Tony Brown, who coached the pair at the Panasonic Wild Knights.
Curragh said the union simply could not afford to pay for the two Japanese players to play in Otago, although he said that does not mean they will not turn up.
The duo played for Japan in last year's World Cup.
The players are believed to be lining up for the Zingari-Richmond club but coach Brendon Timmins said nothing had been decided yet.
He declined further comment.
