9 Jul 2013

Call on McCaw's Super Rugby return still to be made

7:44 am on 9 July 2013

Richie McCaw's set to get his first taste of rugby since December this weekend when the All Blacks captain turns out for his Christchurch club - but whether he takes any part in the Super Rugby competition remains to be seen.

The Crusaders would love to have McCaw back in their pack for the business end of the competition, but forwards coach Dave Hewitt says they're happy to leave the openside flanker's return up to him.

However Hewitt's hinting that McCaw won't play for the Crusaders this season, saying the 32-year-old has a plan in place and whether he does or doesn't turn out in any of the limited number of games left in Super Rugby in 2013, the team has quality players in place.

Meanwhile it's being reported that Colin Slade will leave the Highlanders next season, in another blow for coach Jamie Joseph, as the first five links back up with the Crusaders in place of Daniel Carter, who's taking another sabbatical.