Former All Black Julian Savea has been granted an exemption to leave Auckland to play in Wellington’s NPC clash with Canterbury.
Savea was one of six Auckland-based players who had to return home, after they were wrongfully granted travel exemptions to play for other provinces under COVID-19 protocols last month.
But the 54-test winger now has permission to leave the ‘City of Sails’, after Wellington Rugby completed the correct paperwork to get their man back for Friday night's clash.
"It's all done legally,” says Lions coach Leo Crowley. “NZ Rugby knows he's here.
“We're looking forward to him being out there as well."
The Lions are seeking their first win since the competition's restart and will also be boosted by the inclusion of fit-again All Blacks hooker Dame Coles.
A win would lift the Lions back into the premiership top four, with Auckland only playing two games, because of the city's continuing lockdown.
