Wellington - Hurricanes and All Blacks utility back Nehe Milner-Skudder has targeted the Brisbane Global Tens in February for his return to competitive rugby.
The utility back, who has played eight Tests, missed most of
the 2016 season after suffering a serious shoulder injury when playing for the
Hurricanes against the Blues in March.
The 25-year-old will have one game before the Tens, a
pre-season game with the Blues on February 4, a week out from the inaugural
Tens tournament.
"My rehab went well and I've been really enjoying being
back training with the squad during the pre-season over the past few weeks. To
be honest, I'm champing at the bit to get back on the field," he said in a
statement.
"To be able to test myself in a tournament like the
Tens will be perfect timing just a few weeks out from the start of our Super
season."
The Hurricanes have drawn the Western Force and the
Highlanders in their pool on the first day of the tournament before meeting
Toulon on the second day.
Teams have squads of 18 players per game at the Tens, but
can choose from 26 players they are able to take to the tournament.
Milner-Skudder was enthusiastic about the Tens concept.
"To have international teams like Toulon and Samoa
alongside some of Super Rugby's best teams will be quite unique and no doubt it
will be a real test for everyone," he added.
"Tens isn't something most of us get to play too often, so we are all looking forward to giving it a go. Having less numbers means there'll be a bit more space so that'll make for plenty of ball movement and guys backing themselves."