All Blacks fullback Ben Smith has poured cold water on suggestions he could shun the national side in favour of playing for the Highlanders against the British and Irish Lions next month.
Smith confirmed he had a clause in his contract to play in the historic match in Dunedin on June 13, but that was before the All Blacks scheduled a test match against Samoa three days later.
Smith says if selected, he will be playing for the All Blacks adding it’s the pinnacle of rugby and that’s what every rugby player wants to do.
Speculation Smith could turn out for the Dunedin‑based franchise bubbled when Highlanders coach Tony Brown told Trackside Radio Smith had a clause in his contract allowing him to play.
Smith will equal the Highlanders’ franchise record of 127 appearances on Saturday night, when they play the Waratahs in the Super Rugby.
The Highlanders will take on the Waratahs at 7.35pm Saturday.
Source: stuff.co.nz
