Players from six Major League Rugby franchises are set to feature in the upcoming Mitre 10 Cup. New Zealand’s national provincial competition runs from August 8 to the end of October, making it a convenient option for players looking to play high level rugby in the MLR off-season.

Returning to the Mitre 10 are a pair of Toronto Arrows. Tighthead prop Morgan Mitchell is suiting up for Southland Stags, while flyhalf Sam Malcolm is on the Manawatu Turbos roster. Both are expected back in Toronto next season. Manawatu can also count loosehead Sunao Takizawa in their ranks, the Japanese prop arriving from Austin Elite.

A pair of forwards from the MLR champion Seattle Seawolves will play on opposing teams. Australian prop Tim Metcher has signed up for duty with the Counties Manukau Steelers. At the same time Fijian lock Api Naikatini will play for the Waikato Mooloo, having previously represented Wellington Lions.

There will be MLR representation at Wellington. The Lions have moved to pick up San Diego Legion lock Joshua Furno after saying goodbye to Sam Lousi and Isaia Walker-Leawere. Glendale Raptors back row Murphy Taramai is back for a fourth season with North Harbour.

The most recent player to find a home in the competition is Utah Warriors signing Adam Thomson. Having only recently returned from an 18-month layoff with injury and illness, the former All Blacks flanker will play for his home province of Otago, having last appeared for the Razorbacks in 2012.