All Blacks captain Kieran Read set for long-awaited return to rugby against Hurricanes

All Blacks captain Kieran Read will make his long-awaited return to rugby this weekend after being named to start for the Crusaders against the Hurricanes at Westpac Stadium in Wellington.

It will be the All Blacks skipper's first appearance in four months after being granted extended leave by New Zealand Rugby as they look to preserve their key players ahead of their World Cup title defence in Japan later this year.

Read's last strapped on the boots for the All Blacks against Italy in November last year, and his return to the Crusaders comes after the reigning Super Rugby champions welcomed back captain Sam Whitelock into their side for the first time in 2019.

"Can't wait, " Read told Stuff of his impending return to the playing field.

"I feel like I'm in as good nick as I've been in my career. It was the aim this year, it's what the off-season was about.

"I'm very thankful to have had the time. Right now, it's time to get out there and do it on the field."