Read confirmed in Crusaders’ XV against Hurricanes

Kieran Read will start for the Crusaders against the Hurricanes on Friday, the reigning Super Rugby champions have confirmed.

The New Zealand captain is yet to play this year, having been given a rest following the All Blacks’ tour of Europe towards the end of 2018.

Earlier this week, Crusaders assistant coach Jason Ryan suggested Read would be in line for a first Super Rugby appearance of the campaign, and on Wednesday Read’s presence in the starting XV was confirmed.

Read’s return for the clash at Westpac Stadium is a timely boost for the Crusaders following their surprise defeat to the Waratahs last weekend.

Here’s our team to take on the @Hurricanesrugby this Friday night…. look who’s back! If you’re in Wellington, we need your support – grab your tickets online at https://t.co/eEFd8CVelj #HURvCRU pic.twitter.com/PJpNGHBrXO

— BNZ Crusaders (@crusadersrugby) March 27, 2019

Earlier this month, the All Blacks skipper announced he will leave the Crusaders to join Japanese club Toyota Verblitz after the Rugby World Cup, bringing an end to his stellar New Zealand career.

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