Milner-Skudder ‘to play for Highlanders’
Former All Black Nehe MilnerSkudder is reportedly set to make a dramatic return to the playing field in the Super Rugby Aotearoa competition.
But it won’t be with his former side the Hurricanes.
Instead, the 13 test All Black winger or fullback will play for the Highlanders, according to TVNZ’s One News.
Milner-Skudder signed a lucrative three-year contract with Toulon to take effect at the end of 2019 New Zealand season but persistent shoulder injuries and the Covid-19 pandemic prevented him playing a game.
He also missed the entire 2019 Super Rugby season with the Hurricanes because of shoulder problems, ending his chances of making the All Blacks squad for last year’s Rugby World Cup.
Meanwhile, All Blacks lock Brodie Retallick has turned down an approach from Chiefs coach Warren Gatland to return for Super Rugby Aotearoa.
Retallick had been playing in Japan for the Kobelco Steelers prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.
‘‘We had a conversation with him. But he’s down at his farm in the Hawke’s Bay and he’s having a bit of a break with his family,’’ Gatland told Newshub.
‘‘If he’d been based in Hamilton that probably would have been a different scenario, it just didn’t work out. There was no pressure from us, we just made an inquiry.’’
Retallick is not contracted with New Zealand Rugby again until May 2021.
Gatland also confirmed that Aaron Cruden has signed a contract extension with the Chiefs to keep him at the club for the duration of the 10-week Super Rugby Aotearoa competition.
Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Cruden was scheduled to head Japan next month.