In a statement released today following New Zealand Herald reports that All Blacks will not be released for the tournament, Duco Events' Australian director Rachael Carroll said the provisional squads submitted by the Super Rugby teams include current national players.
"We have received the provisional squads from competing teams and can confirm that those submitted by the New Zealand Super clubs contain 10 players who participated in last year's All Blacks end of season European tour - including the tournament's contracted ambassador.
"These players have indicated a strong desire to play in the tournament, and their Super Rugby clubs have selected them. These selections are now subject to ratification by New Zealand Rugby.
"We are negotiating with New Zealand Rugby in good faith to confirm these selections.
"Final squads from all participating teams are due to be confirmed until early next month. Across the board these will contain a large number of current international rugby stars."
All Blacks Jerome Kaino, Israel Dagg and Damian McKenzie had been used to promote the event.