Flanker Liam Squire has declared himself available for the All Blacks, less than 48 hours before the Rugby World Cup squad for Japan is announced.
Newshub understands Squire has advised coach Steve Hansen and the national selectors that he wants to be considered for the 31-man squad, after choosing to sit out the Rugby Championship build-up.
But All Blacks management must now decide whether to recall the 23-test loose forward for their defence of the Webb Ellis Cup.
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Squire has had a year to forget, with injury restricting him to just three Super Rugby games for the Highlanders.
The 28-year-old then made himself unavailable for national selection, citing personal reasons and lack of game time for his decision.
In his absence, Hansen has experimented with loose-forward line-up of Kieran Read, Sam Cane and Ardie Savea, suggesting that might be the starting combination for the World Cup.
Squire hasn't played for the All Blacks since the 16-9 loss to Ireland in Dublin last November, but outstanding Mitre 10 Cup performances for Tasman have apparently convinced him to seek higher honors.
After the Bledisloe Cup demolition of Australia at Eden Park last week, Hansen reiterated the decision was Squire's to make and the selectors would not force his hand.
"We've got an understanding," Hansen stated. "If he's keen, he'll let me know."
Newshub.
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