New Zealand captain Richie McCaw is set to return to rugby and play his first match for the first time in seven months on Saturday.
McCaw took a sabbatical from the game to rest his body and prolong his career, but he will return to action on Saturday when he returns for his Christchurch club.
The 32-year-old resumed training last month and if fit he is expected to be back in the All Blacks line-up for the Rugby Championship in August. The All Blacks will kick off their defence of their Rugby Championship title in August against Sydney before further home and away matches against South Africa and Argentina.
McCaw will line up against Lincoln University in the Canterbury Metro competition, in what will be his first game since the All Blacks lost to England at Twickenham in December.
Christchurch co-coach Daniel O’Brien is looking forward to seeing McCaw in action.
He said: “He’s there to play as long as we need him. Obviously it’s a good hit-out for him. It will be his call to see how he’s going. There are no restrictions at this stage.
“There’s a real excitement level to be playing alongside one of the greatest players to ever play in the country. It’s exciting for those boys. It’s something they’ll be able to talk about for years to come.”
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