Luke McAlister has been named in the Junior All Blacks squad for the IRB Pacific Nations Cup.

The decision not to rush the talented playmaker straight back into a New Zealand squad minus the injured Daniel Carter for their June Tests against France and Italy was made several weeks ago when McAlister announced he had re-signed with the New Zealand Rugby Union.

He is, however, expected to join the All Blacks squad for their Tri-Nations campaign against Australia and South Africa.

Also in the 26-man squad, effectively a New Zealand A side, to be coached by Colin Cooper and Ian Foster, are several players who were part of All Blacks' end-of-year tour of Britain and Ireland last year - Jason Eaton, Hika Elliot, Hosea Gear, Jamie Mackintosh, Anthony Tuitavake and Alby Mathewson.

"We have got a talented squad of established international players plus up and coming players and Ian Foster and I are excited about the campaign ahead," Cooper said.

"The Junior All Blacks have a proud unbeaten record in the Pacific Nations Cup and this year's team will be keen to maintain that record."

The New Zealanders will play alongside Samoa, Tonga, Fiji and Japan in the tournament which takes place from June 12 to July 3.

Lock Bryn Evans and prop Owen Franks have been called into the All Blacks squad as cover so Hurricanes prop John Schwalger and Chiefs lock Craig Clarke will link up with the second-tier side in their absence.