Crusaders easing Read back

Read, who has not played a game of rugby this year since having wrist surgery in the pre-season, is set to represent his University club side during the Crusaders' bye week (April 7-9).

"Realistically, we are hoping in that bye week he will get a run for his club," Crusaders assistant forwards coach Jason Ryan told stuff.co.nz. 

"He is tracking well, really well. At this stage, we will look to give him around 40 minutes of club footy for University.

"He has been on toes, and ready to go. He is looking really good."

If Read comes through unscathed from the club game, he could make his first Super Rugby appearance of the season against the Sunwolves in Round Eight.

Read is also expected to re-sign with New Zealand Rugby through to the 2019 World Cup.

stuff.co.nz