The SAS will be part of counter-terrorism operations during the Rugby World Cup next year.
The head of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae, confirmed this at the opening of an SAS exhibition at the National Army Museum in Waiouru on Friday.
He told 3 News that the elite squad would begin preparations for the World Cup after its current tour of duty in Afghanistan finishes in March.
A spokesperson for the police, the lead agency in security operations for the tournament, says it's against policy to discuss counter-terrorism strategies.
The Government has not however ruled out another deployment in Afghanistan for the SAS. Prime Minister John Key, who made a secret visit to Afghanistan in May, has said the Cabinet will consider before the end of the year whether to extend the operation.
