Shute Shield recruitment went crazy over summer.

Whether it was the extended break or the new Sydney Rugby Union participation agreement, almost every club has been busy adding talent to their playing squads ahead of the 2022 season.

A number of clubs have recruited quality, seasoned players from New Zealand who will be ready to make an impact immediately, while others have looked to other Australian cities to find their ‘missing piece’.

It’s going to make the first few rounds of the season extremely interesting and to help you prepare, we’ve tracked down some intel on 10 key recruits ahead of round one this weekend.

Charles Elton - Eastern Suburbs

A late bloomer, Otago backrower Charles Elton didn’t make his ITM Cup debut until 27 but has been one of the competition’s standout players in recent years with some even calling for his inclusion in an extended All Blacks squad.

Elton is tall, tough and mobile and should be perfectly suited to the fast pace of the Shute Shield.

Liam Richmond - Southern Districts

Southern Districts have been searching for a game controlling flyhalf ever since the departures of Rohan Saifoloi