Heartland rugby squad loan players from left Pita Anae-Ahsue, Henry Scott, Cam Bailey, Reegan O'Gorman and Dan Dorgan at front is Matt Etheredge.

The South Canterbury Heartland side will boast one international forward in its ranks this season.

Reegan O'Gorman was capped four times for Canada last season, playing against the United States, Chile, Brazil and Uruguay, while also turning out in a friendly against Argentina.

O'Gorman is the son of Pat O'Gorman, a former Canterbury lock, and the apple hasn't fallen far from the tree.

O'Gorman senior plied his trade overseas during the 1980s and Reegan was born in Canada, where his father still resides.

READ MORE:

* Celtic copy sevens celebrations

* SC squad named

* Celtic wins 10th consecutive

* TBHS dominate Roncalli

* TBHS have edge against Roncalli

His son is also a lock, standing 1.98m tall and tipping the scales at 120kg.

Reegan O'Gorman said he jumped at the chance of playing Heartland rugby after his Christchurch team-mate Shane Anderson suggested it to him.

"I had an offer from West Coast as well but wanted to be in a more competitive team.

"I know South Canterbury have been in the Heartland final and semifinal over the past couple of seasons and would like to be part of a team that gets the job done."

O'Gorman said he was really looking forward to the experience.

Heartland Championship rules allow each province to name three loan players and a "player of origin" in their 22 each week, but carry more than that number in their squad.

On the team physio's advice a disappointed O'Gorman will sit out Saturday's first preseason game against Canterbury Maori in Christchurch.

O'Gorman is not the only one carrying an injury with coach Barry Matthews having to call Jarrad Trevathan and Kadin Tenana into the side.

Matthews said he expected the early hit outs to be a bit messy.

"We only have seven or eight players back from last year and there are a few boys with niggling injuries."

Matthews expected Canterbury Maori to be a good test.

"They are a handy side and will certainly test us."

Matthews said the three preseason games would give him an opportunity to test if the new comers were up to Heartland standard.

"Everyone's been keen at practice so that is great."

Other loan players recruited include openside Matt Etheredge, mid fielder Anderson, tighthead Kalolo Otutaha and first five Dan Dorgan, who all play metro rugby in Christchurch.

The "player of origin" is Henry Scott, who has played sevens for South Canterbury in the past, and will get his first game of 15 at centre.

Fullback Brad Tunnicliffe and second five Zac Saunders are the other two in the backline on debut.

The pair deserve their starts after excellent club seasons, with Tunnicliffe having to shine in the wooden spooners, which is never an easy task.

In the pack, flankers Andrew Gooden and Timote Tuipolotu, along with lock Solomone Lavaka and prop Pita Anae Ah Sue will also get their first start in green and black.

Again, Matthews has gone with form and the quartet will be keen to test themselves at the next level.

Injuries and niggles to the original squad have also seen veteran first five Jarrad Trevathan and halfback Kadin Tenana called in, and Tenana especially was a bit unlucky to have two very good halfbacks ahead of him.

Captain Nick Strachan will come off the bench.

AT A GLANCE

South Canterbury (from 15): Brad Tunnicliffe, Setefano Sauqaqa, Henry Scott, Zac Saunders, Cam Bailey, Jarrad Trevathan, Theo Davidson, Loni Toumohuni, BJ Oliver, Andrew Gooden, Solomone Lavaka, Vaikoso Polonaiti, Garret Casey, Marac Beckham, Pita Anae Ah Sue, (substitutes) Toko'ata Fakatava, Matt Fetu, Timote Tuipolotu, Nick Strachan, Kadin Tenana, Shane Anderson, Don Farmer.