One of the Highlanders’ favourite sons is in line to make a dramatic return for Super Rugby Aotearoa.
Former All Black Ben Smith, who said an emotional goodbye to the Highlanders and All Blacks in 2019, is “odds-on” to return to the Dunedin-based club, according to TVNZ’s One News, but has not signed a contract as yet.
The outside back’s reportedly imminent return comes on the same day it was confirmed another former All Blacks outside back, Nehe Milner-Skudder, was confirmed to join the Highlanders for the 10-week domestic competition.
Smith, a Super Rugby winner with the Highlanders in 2015 and a veteran of 84 tests for the All Blacks, is an immensely popular figure with New Zealand rugby fans.
The Covid-19 interruption to world sport has also opened the door for All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock – who was on sabbatical in Japan – to return to the Crusaders for Super Rugby Aotearoa.
