The eighth place in the Highlanders wider training squad will remain open after Southland back James Wilson declined an offer to join the franchise.
The Highlanders, though, are carrying 33 players in their squad, one more than usual, with Kurt Baker doing some training as he waits for a further scan on his injured back.
The Highlanders named seven players in their wider training squad: Otago hooker-prop Liam Coltman, Otago hooker Sam Anderson-Heather, Southland lock Alex Ryan, Southland flanker Tim Boys, new Otago signing midfield back Ben Atiga, Otago winger Fetu'u Vainikolo and Southland fullback Glen Horton.
Wilson, the Southland inside back, who can also play fullback, was asked by the Highlanders to join the wider training group as the eighth and final member but he decided against the move.
He had previously been in the Highlanders 2007 and 2008, and made the Chiefs in 2009.
Baker was an original selection in the 32 man Highlanders squad but was diagnosed with a stress fracture of the back late last season.
He was ordered to rest for a couple of months and see if the injury improved.
He was replaced in the team by Tasman outside back Kade Poki, who was training with the team which came together again yesterday after the Christmas break.
The eighth berth will remain open at least until Baker's future is decided.
If he is fit, logic suggests Poki will become that eighth player.
Baker is to have a scan on his injured back later this month.
Baker, from Taranaki, had an exceptional season last year, starring for the New Zealand sevens side, where he was a key member of the team which won the gold medal at the Commonwealth Games.
He played well at fullback and on the wing for Taranaki, helping that side get into the top seven of the ITM Cup, and loomed as a weapon for the Highlanders.
Poki had played for the Crusaders in the two previous seasons but had missed out on selection this year after injury wrecked his campaign in 2010.
