Waikato coach Chris Gibbes has named seven new players in his squad for the Air New Zealand Cup.

They include prop Ben May and loosie Jack Lam, who have both transferred to Waikato from Tasman. Other new forwards are prop Kieran Ramage, openside flanker Ray Allen and loose forward Dominiko Waqaniburotu.

The new backs are Sam Christie and Savenaca Tokula.

Axed All Black Liam Messam will captain the side.

Forwards: Ole Avei, Vern Kamo, Hikairo Forbes, Ben May, Kieran Ramage, Nathan White, Kent Fife, Romana Graham, Toby Lynn, Kevin O'Neill, Ray Allen, Jack Lam, Sione Lauaki, Liam Messam, Jordan Smiler, Dominiko Waqaniburotu.

Backs: David Bason, Josh Sutherland, Sam Christie, Trent Renata, Callum Bruce, Roimata Hansell-Pune, Jackson Willison, Tim Mikkelson, Henry Speight, Dwayne Sweeney, Savenaca Tokula, Sosene Anesi.