All Black Shannon Frizell will return to New Zealand to launch a bid to lock down a place in the 2027 World Cup squad.
New Zealand Rugby has confirmed Frizell, an aggressive blindside flanker whose most recent appearance for the All Blacks was against the Springboks in the 2023 World Cup final in Paris, aims to add to his 33 test caps and will arrive in the country in the winter.
Frizell moved to Japan to play for Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo in Japan Rugby League One after the World Cup in France.
NZ Rugby interim CEO, Steve Lancaster confirmed the move today saying they are really pleased to have Frizell returning and look forward to seeing him back in action in the NPC later this year.
Frizell will join the Highlanders next year, and will also be available for Tasman in the NPC.
Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo team-mate Richie Mo’unga, another All Black, will also return to New Zealand after the season in Japan.
Both are likely to be welcomed back by the new All Blacks coach Dave Rennie.
Source: Stuff.co.nz
