Former Fiji and QVS U-19 winger Henry Speight has been named in a strong 28 member Waikato team to prepare for the upcoming domestic rugby season in New Zealand.

Speight who is currently playing in the Hamilton Old Boys team is amongst 13 new players who have been drafted into the Waikato side.

Former New Zealand 7's captain Liam Messam will be the new captain under coach Tony Hanks who will be in charge for the first time as head coach.

Several players are unavailable for Waikato due to All Blacks duty, such as Mils Muliaina, Siteveni Sivivatu and the injured Brendon Leonard.

Waikato will face Northland in their season opener on the 31st of July.