Israel Dagg has ruled himself out of All Blacks contention for the rest of the year after signing a short-term Japan contract.
Dagg confirmed he will join the Canon Eagles when his Super Rugby duties finish and return to New Zealand in December.
The 66-Test veteran hasn’t played for New Zealand since last September, having been sidelined for long periods by a chronic knee problem.
He has made just four appearances for the Crusaders, with a return to the field in May cut short when hit in a high tackle by Brumbies winger Chance Peni.