All Blacks legend Dan Carter is back and will be playing in Super Rugby Aotearoa after joining the Blues on Thursday.
When he pitched up for training, his teammates were left star-struck.
Coach Leon MacDonald explains: “Some of the young guys are pinching themselves. They don’t know whether to shake his hand or get an autograph.”
At 38, Carter joins a squad that already has Beauden Barrett and says of his decision: “It’s a chance to put the boots on... whether I play or not.
“I have not played for several months so it will be a number of weeks before I will be ready to be considered to play.
“And then only if my form warrants it. I’m fit but not rugby fit.”
Carter left New Zealand for France after a second World Cup win in 2015 and spent the last two seasons in Japan with Kobelco Steelers before the coronavirus outbreak ended the 2020 Top League campaign.