All Blacks hooker Codie Taylor has been granted an extended leave of absence from the Crusaders next season.
On Thursday, the veteran was named as part of coach Rob Penney's 37-strong squad but won’t feature until two or three weeks before the playoffs begin.
Fresh off an arduous World Cup campaign with the All Blacks, the 32-year-old will take the opportunity for what Penney describes as some well-deserved rest.
Taylor has a clause in his NZ Rugby contract that allows him to take some time off, which was likely enacted after a chat with his former Crusaders turned All Blacks coach Scott Robertson with an aim to limit the kilometres on his clock ahead of the next World Cup.
"He has probably had the new All Blacks coach [Robertson] in his ear, having a discussion," Penney said.
"And that's all good. Whatever Codie needs, and those [veteran] boys that have earned the right to be treated a bit more special.
"We will accommodate anything there."
Taylor was one of the All Blacks most consistent performers in France, stamping his mark on the starting hooker role on the back of a resurgent campaign with the Crusaders, who he helped to a seventh Super Rugby title.
Penney admits there's a likelihood his vice-captain could get a case of FOMO and end up back on the field sooner than expected.
"He could get itchy feet," said Penney. "We will let him do what he needs to do and clear his mind of footy.
"When he's back and ready to go, we will welcome him back with open arms."
Fortunately for Penney and the Crusaders, there's plenty of depth at hooker to fall back on, with the likes of George Bell and Brodie McAlister waiting in the wings.
In other front-row developments, veteran Irish prop Oli Jager has requested a release from his contract with one year remaining to pursue other opportunities.
The franchise is still working through contractual fineprint but – after 51 games for his adopted NZ side - they're expecting Jager will depart, meaning the new roster waiting to be filled by another prop.
