Toopi selected in Bay of Plenty squad

Former Kiwis and New Zealand Warriors centre Clinton Toopi has been included in Bay of Plenty's squad for the upcoming Air NZ Cup rugby competition.

Toopi's selection marks a continuation of his transition from league to rugby.

The 29-year-old, who played 21 tests for the Kiwis from 2001-07, has been playing club rugby in Whakatane since returning from a two-season stint with English Super League club Leeds last year.

Toopi's career took a new direction after he required a knee reconstruction -- an injury that ended the Leeds segment of his career.

Toopi said he had offers to return to the National Rugby League once he recuperated but was keen to give rugby a crack.

He is one of 11 new faces named in Greg Smith's 30-man squad.

Chiefs prop Joe Savage will captain the side captain while Tanerau Latimer is on All Blacks duty.

Bay of Plenty start their pre-season schedule against Taranaki in New Plymouth on July 10. They also play Counties-Manukau and Hawke's Bay before their competition opener against Northland in Rotorua on July 31.