A Canterbury veteran will return to provincial rugby this weekend after being released from the All Blacks' Rugby Championship side.
Brodie McAlister has been named in the top of the table Canterbury NPC team for their match against Manawatu on Saturday.
Canterbury Rugby head coach Marty Bourke said having McAlister, who has played 45 games for the provincial side, on the team will give them a boost.
“Brodie's got an awesome skill set across the board with our forwards. He is an awesome leader. I think he helps with some of the younger guys in the group.”
McAlister, along with 15 other players, was released from the All Blacks following last weekend's loss to Argentina to play for their unions.
His last hit out for the national side was against France in July, when he crossed the try line to help clinch New Zealand's victory.
Bourke is excited to have McAlister back.
"It's always good to have Brodie back. He’s come in really excited to be in the group, he’s a good Canterbury man.”
Canterbury is currently top of the table after four rounds, while Manawatu is sitting at eighth.
Bourke said defence is something they have really worked on.
“Long may it continue”.
Canterbury will be playing Manawatu tomorrow with a 2.05pm kick off.
Playing at the Rangiora Showgrounds, it gives Canterbury the home advantage.
“We are playing in Rangiora which is pretty awesome, taking the game to the community, and really showcasing how much we’ve grown”.
