A knee injury has put an end to hopes of Canadian Hubert Buydens playing for the Turbos in 2016.

A knee injury has ruled out any chance of Canadian prop Hubert Buydens returning to Manawatu for the 2016 season.

Buydens had been widely rumoured to be in the union's crosshairs for a return this season to add to the 16 games he played for the Turbos in 2013 and 2014.

But the 34-year-old picked up an ACL injury while playing for the San Diego Breakers in the newly formed Pro Rugby American competition.

Buydens, who has played 43-tests, was initially included in the Canadian squad for their tests against Japan, Russia and Italy but has since been ruled out.

Manawatu Rugby Union chief executive John Knowles confirmed Buydens was set to join the Turbos before he was injured.

"We had an interim contract based on visa, but he has now terminated that contract because he can't come here, he is done for the season," he said.

Knowles said they have been looking at another international prop, but yet to make any formal approaches yet.

Manawatu have three props under contract in Chris Eves, Michael Alaalatoa and Fraser Armstrong.

Two more props are expected to be included in the final squad.

From their 2015 contingent, Ma'afu Fia now plays with Welsh side Ospreys, Tim Cadwallader is focusing on playing hooker, Adrian Barone is playing in Wellington, while Hakarangi Tichborne is battling for a place in the team through club rugby.

Tichborne, former Southland player Tuki Raimona, Sean Rankin, Robin Praat, Sam Tufuga and Isaac Gulliver are the local players battling for a spot.

The Turbos have 25 players signed for the season, but are unlikely to see any of All Blacks Aaron Smith and Aaron Cruden, while they remain hopeful that Nehe Milner-Skudder will get some game time on his return from shoulder injury before he is called back into the All Blacks.

Knowles expected eight more players to be signed (two hookers, two props, one lock, one loose forward, one midfielder and one outside back).

Local players will get their first chance to battle for places in the side in a preseason match against Wanganui on June 22.

Manawatu also has a preseason match against Hawke's Bay on June 29.

Contracted Turbos for 2016: Fraser Armstrong (OBM), Chris Eves (Kia Toa and Hurricanes), Michael Alaalatoa (Crusaders), Tom Parsons (Te Kawau), Jackson Hemopo (Highlanders), Kane Thompson (Newcastle Falcons), Callum Gibbins (Varsity and Hurricanes), Heiden Bedwell-Curtis (Feilding), Antonio Kiri Kiri (OBM), Valentino Mapapalangi (Kia Toa), Kayne Hammington (Feilding and Chiefs), Toby Morland (Te Kawau), Jamie Booth (Varsity), Otere Black (COB and Hurricanes), Sam Malcolm (Varsity), Hamish Northcott (Varsity), Jason Emery (Kia Toa and Highlanders), Ngani Laumape (Kia Toa and Hurricanes), Newton Tudreu (Kia Toa), Nathan Tudreu (Kia Toa), Luther Hirini (FOB-Oroua), Ambrose Curtis (OBM), Nehe Milner-Skudder (Varsity, Hurricanes and All Blacks), Aaron Cruden (COB, Chiefs and All Blacks), Aaron Smith (Feilding, Highlanders and All Blacks).