All Blacks coach Steve Hansen insists the selection of Japan-based Matt Todd for their end-of-year tour doesn’t set a dangerous precedent.
The 30-year-old flank was included in the All Blacks squad despite being with the Panasonic Wild Knights.
While overseas-based players are ineligible for the All Blacks, NZ Rugby was prepared to make an exception for Todd.
‘No, I don’t think so,’ Hansen said when asked if picking Todd set a precedent. ‘The big thing that swung it in our minds, and for the board, is that he’s contracted [to NZR and the Crusaders] next year,’ said Hansen. ‘We just really saw him as being on a holiday, and we’ve asked him to come back from holiday.’
Todd will be available for the All Blacks’ matches against the Wallabies, Australia, England and Ireland. He will, however, miss the Test against Italy as he will be required to return to Japan.
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