This year's edition of the T20 Black Clash has been injected with a huge dose of star power by the addition of West Indies legend Brian Lara.
Widely regarded as one of the sport's greatest batters, Lara will join Team Rugby for this summer's contest against Team Rugby at Mt Maunganui on January 20.
Lara's undefeated 400 against England back in 2004 is still the highest individual test score in cricket history, while his 501 for English county side Warwickshire back in 1994 remains the highest first-class score.
The 54-year-old played his final test in 2006, bringing down the curtain on a 17-year career that saw him become one of just seven players to have scored 10,000 runs in both test and one-day international cricket.
"I love New Zealand, and I have been a fan of the All Blacks and New Zealand's rugby prowess for many years," Lara said.
"To be a part of this T20 Black Clash, which I heard a lot about from my mate Stephen Fleming, is a great honour.
"It’s not every day you get the opportunity to take the field alongside so many great All Blacks. I truly look forward to this experience."
Team Rugby will look to avenge their narrow loss at Hagley Oval earlier this year and square the series 3-3.
"If there was one player in world cricket, we would choose to bring in for this match it would be Brian Lara,” said event director Carlena Limmer.
"Anyone who saw him bat knows why. He is one of greatest of all time - and possibly still the greatest living cricketer on the planet."
