The bolter in the Highlanders Super 12 rugby squad is North Harbour utility back Willie Walker. He was one of 10 newcomers named by coach Laurie Mains on Tuesday.

Walker, 23, who can play at flyhalf or fullback, impressed Mains with the length of his kicking during the NPC. He has been contracted to the Otago Rugby Football Union.

"Willie has been through the New Zealand age-grade teams as a fullback," Mains (pictured) said. He has played most of his rugby at fullback and filled that position for the North Shore club this year.

Walker played in the flyhalf for North Harbour in this year's NPC.

"He is a very strong kicker of the ball with punting and goal kicking," Mains said. "He is also a strong defensive player and has a good eye for attack."

Another new Otago signing is 2m-tall Canterbury lock Peter Bowden. He comes off his Canterbury contract this year. Bowden, 23, is a former Wellington Colt who shifted to Canterbury to advance his rugby.

He played three NPC games for Canterbury off the bench and three early-season Ranfurly Shield games this year. When not wanted by Canterbury, he played for second division Nelson Bays.

"He is a very tall player and strong in the air," Mains said. "He is a modern type of lock and is contracted to Otago for three years."

The other Otago-contracted newcomers in the team are Sam Harding (openside flanker), Ryan Nicholas (centre), Filipo Levi (lock), Marius Mostert(prop), Grant Webb (loose-forward) and Blair Feeney (flyhalf).

"Most of the new players were introduced at the NPC level this year," Mains said. "That is not a significant proportion, given that we have six weeks training together before the Super 12. They will easily be co-ordinated into the team."

There are four draft players in the squad compared to the eight in last year's squad. They are Wellington's Paul Steinmetz, Craig Newby of North Harbour, Billy Fulton of Canterbury and Auckland's Iliesa Tanivula.

Steinmetz and Newby are newcomers to the squad. Steinmetz takes the place of All Black Pita Alatini, who has transferred to Wellington. Halfback Fulton and winger Tanivula were both members of the Highlanders squad last year.

Mains was impressed by Newby's defensive performances for North Harbour and his lineout ability. He was in the Blues squad last year. "He is an experienced player who has played quite a bit of Super 12 rugby," Mains said. - Sapa-NZPA