The Crusaders and All Blacks back Israel Dagg will not play in Saturday night's Super Rugby derby against the Hurricanes in Christchurch, but he could turn out for his club.
Dagg is nearing a return for the top of the table Crusaders after taking longer than expected to recover from knee surgery and is set to play at least four games before the British and Irish Lions series, though they might not be for his Super Rugby side.
He has missed eight games since injuring his knee in the Crusaders win over the Reds in Brisbane in March.
Crusaders assistant coach Leon MacDonald says Dagg is close to taking the field again and the 28‑year‑old could play club rugby this weekend.
Dagg will have maximum of three Super Rugby games and the Crusaders match against the British and Irish Lions to prove his fitness before the All Blacks take on Samoa in a pre‑Lions warm‑up test at Eden Park on June 16.
The Crusaders will take on the Hurricanes at 7.35pm this Saturday.
Source: RadioNZ
