The New Zealand Super 14 franchises have announced their final squads for the 2010 season.

The Blues and Crusaders have made the most significant changes to their squads as they prepare for Super 14 next year.

The Blues have added to their flyhalf depth as they have signed pivot Stephen Brett, who spearheaded Canterbury to their second successive NZ Cup title, and Wellington No 10 Daniel Kirkpatrick.

Brett said he made the move to get out of ‘Dan Carter’s shadow’ as the All Blacks pivot returns to Super Rugby next season.

‘It’s about getting the game time I need to play,’ said Brett. ‘I knew Dan Carter was coming back when I signed my contract a couple of years ago, so obviously I had that buy-out clause and I’ve utilised it by going into the draft.’

Former Hurricanes’ scrumhalf Alby Mathewson and flank Serge Lilo have also signed for the Blues.

The Crusaders have received Daniel Bowden from the Blues in return for Brett. Bowden will provide cover for Carter.

Chris Jack has returned to Canterbury, after stints with Saracens and Western Province. The Crusaders now have nine All Blacks in their forwards department.

The NZ Cup champions also have in form backs Sean Maitland, Zac Guildford and Colin Slade in the squad, who will form a formidable back three.

Last year’s finalists the Chiefs have drafted loose forwards Luke Braid and Jarrad Hoeata, Manukau fullback Tim Nanai-Williams and Samoan No 9 Junior Poluleuligaga, while the Hurricanes have signed Canterbury scrumhalf Tyson Keats and Southland centre Jason Kawau.

Hawke’s Bay back Matt Berquist and Northland prop Bronson Murray are the only additions to the Highlanders’ squad.

Blues – Tony Woodcock, John Afoa, Charlie Faumuina, Tevita Mailau, Keven Mealamu, Tom McCartney, Anthony Boric, Ali Williams, Kurtis Haiu, Jerome Kaino, Peter Saili, Serge Lilo, Tom Chamberlain, Chris Lowrey, Viliame Maafu, Alby Mathewson, Chris Smylie, Stephen Brett, Daniel Kirkpatrick, Luke McAlister, Benson Stanley, Isaia Toeava, George Pisi, Rudi Wulf, Anthony Tuitavake, Joe Rokocoko, Rene Ranger, Paul Williams.

Chiefs – Nathan White, Ben Afeaki, James McGougan, Sona Taumalolo, Aled de Malmanche, Hika Elliot, Kevin O’Neill, Craig Clarke, Callum Retallick, Romana Graham, Jarrad Hoeata, Liam Messam, Tanerau Latimer, Luke Braid, Sione Lauaki, Colin Bourke, Brendon Leonard, Junior Poluleuligaga, Stephen Donald, Mike Delany, Callum Bruce, Jackson Willison, Richard Kahui, Lelia Masaga, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Dwayne Sweeney, Tim Nanai-Williams, Mils Muliaina.

Hurricanes – John Schwalger, Jacob Ellison, Neemia Tialata, Anthony Perenise, Andrew Hore, Dane Coles, Jeremy Thrush, Bryn Evans, James Broadhurst, Jason Eaton, Michael Paterson, Victor Vito, Karl Lowe, Scott Waldrom, Rodney So’oialo, Nick Crosswell, Piri Weepu, Tyson Keats, Aaron Cruden, Willie Ripia, Ma’a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Jason Kawau, Tamati Ellison, David Smith, Hosea Gear, Andre Taylor, Cory Jane.

Crusaders – Wyatt Crockett, Owen Franks, Ben Franks, Peter Borlase, Corey Flynn, Ti’i Paulo, Brad Thorn, Isaac Ross, Chris Jack, Sam Whitelock, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw, George Whitelock, Jonathan Poff, Thomas Waldrom, Andy Ellis, Kahn Fotuali’i, Dan Carter, Daniel Bowden, Ryan Crotty, Tim Bateman, Robert Fruean, Adam Whitelock, Sean Maitland, Kade Poki, Zac Guildford, Colin Slade, Jared Payne.

Highlanders – Jamie Mackintosh, Clint Newland, Chris King, Bronson Murray, Jason Macdonald, Jason Rutledge, Josh Bekhuis, Tom Donnelly, Hayden Triggs, Joe Tuineau, Adam Thomson, Alando Soakai, John Hardie, Tim Boys, Nasi Manu, Stephen Setephano, Jimmy Cowan, Sean Romans, Matt Berquist, Michael Hobbs, Jayden Hayward, Jason Shoemark, Kendrick Lynn, James Paterson, Fetu’u Vainikolo, Ben Smith, Robbie Robinson, Israel Dagg.

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