Highlanders' Ioane staying at home

Highlanders flank TJ Ioane has been ruled out of his team's two-match tour of South Africa due to a calf strain.

The explosive loose forward has been sidelined for the two home wins against the Rebels and Bulls, and has since been ruled out of their South African trip which features clashes against the Stormers and Sharks.

Also missing from the 27-strong squad is veteran lock Brad Thorn, who suffered a season-ending bicep injury against the Bulls on Friday.

Lock Tom Franklin, prop Matais Diaz, flyhalf Willie Ripia, centre Winston Stanley and scrumhalf Frae Wilson have also missed selection, along with wing Kurt Baker, who is serving a six-match suspension.

Highlanders squad: Ben Smith, Trent Renata, Richard Buckman, Patrick Osborne, Malakai Fekitoa, Jason Emery, Shaun Treeby, Phil Burleigh, Lima Sopoaga, Hayden Parker, Aaron Smith, Fumiaki Tanaka, Nasi Manu, Elliot Dixon, Shane Christie, John Hardie, Gareth Evans, Jarrad Hoeata, Joe Wheeler, Josh Bekhuis, Chris King, Maafu Fia, Kane Hames, Craig Millar, Liam Coltman, Ged Robinson, Brayden Mitchell.