All Blacks winger Nehe Milner-Skudder plans to take part in the Hurricanes' pre- season campaign, including an appearance at the Brisbane Global Tens tournament.
Nehe Milner-Skudder scores the first try during the final match of the 2015 Rugby World Cup, as touch judge Wayne Barnes looks on. Photo: AFP
Milner-Skudder has spent the past nine months recovering from shoulder surgery which ruled him out of the Hurricanes' run to the Super Rugby title and the entire All Blacks season.
The 2015 World Cup star hopes to test his fitness during the Hurricanes' pre- season opener against the Blues in Auckland on February 4 before the inaugural Tens tournament a week later.
"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," he said.
The 25-year-old says the Tens tournament will be a good test of his speed and fitness given the amount of space expected to be on offer for players.
"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 win over the Blues may have come at a cost for the Hurricanes with All Black winger Nehe Milner-Skudder forced off the field with an injury. Photo: Photosport
Milner-Skudder said the Global Tens was an exciting 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.
"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. "
The Hurricanes will play Australia's Western Force and New Zealand's Highlanders on day one of the tournament before playing French club Toulon on day two.
Teams will be allowed squads of 18 players per match at the Brisbane Global Tens, but will carry up to 26 players into the tournament.
Milner-Skudder joins a growing list of high profiles players who have confirmed their plans to play in Brisbane including his Hurricanes teammate Loni Uhila.
-AAP and RNZ
