The Highlanders have confirmed the signing of All Blacks flanker Shannon Frizell. The 195-centimetre blindside flanker will return to New Zealand in the middle of the year after spending the past three seasons with Toshiba Brave Lupus in Japan. Frizell has signed for the 2027 season with the Highlanders but is also set to play for Tasman in this season’s NPC as he pushes for a return to the All Blacks fold. Highlanders head coach Jamie Joseph said in a statement: “Shannon returning to the Highlanders is a real bonus for the club, and it’s great to see a seasoned international player prepared to return to Super Rugby to have a crack at making the All Blacks. “He knows our culture well, he’s a hardworking player, and he’ll fit seamlessly into our team.” Due to the relatively short-term nature of Frizell’s deal, the 32-year-old would need an exemption from New Zealand Rugby to play in either the July tests or the tour of South Africa that starts in August. Otherwise, he will be available for the two Bledisloe tests following the South Africa tour. Frizell has already made 68 appearances for the Highlanders during his first spell at the club, between 2018-2023. He has also played 33 times for the All Blacks and his most recent test was the Rugby World Cup final in 2023. Frizell has missed most of the Japan Rugby League One season this year but has been something of a prolific tryscorer over the previous two years, scoring 21 times in 37 appearances for Toshiba Brave Lupus, according to the Rugby Database site. NZ Rugby interim chief executive Steve Lancaster said that Frizell’s return would be a “boost for the game”. “We’re really pleased to have Shannon returning to New Zealand and look forward to seeing him back in action in the NPC later this year,” Lancaster said. “Any time a player with international experience comes home is a boost to the game here and it’s great to see Shannon’s desire to represent his provincial union, Super Rugby club and country remains as strong as ever.” https://www.thepost.co.nz/sport/360980766/all-blacks-flanker-shannon-frizell-returns-highlanders-and-tasman   submitted by   /u/newdawn2k22 [link]   [comments]