In a positive step for New Zealand rugby, All Blacks captain Kieran Read is back training with the Crusaders.
Kieran Read leaves the field with an injury. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Read had surgery on his spine in December and is unlikely to be available until after the June international window.
His last game was for the All Blacks against Scotland in November and pain in his leg led to him having surgery.
The Crusaders assistant coach Ronan O'Gara says it was great to see Read back with the side.
"I think a nice suprise for averyone today was probably a walk-through clarity (session), so there is a plan with Razor (coach Scott Robertson) and the medical team about how much he can partake, but it's just great to have him back with the club."
O'Gara says Read is very much on a slow track in his return to playing.
"I don't think he touched a ball, it was walking speed today, but I think it's important for him to to get back into it, he's been out of it for a long while so we just need to make sure we get the building blocks correct because a player as vaulable to him to both here and New Zealand Rugby what you don't want is he comes back and he has a setback."
The Crusaders play the Blues this weekend.
Lock Luke Romano and three-quarter Israel Dagg were also both at training yesterday following injuries.
