All Blacks scrumhalf Aaron Smith has been drafted back into New Zealand’s squad for the remaining two Tests of the Outgoing Tour against Ireland and France.

Smith missed a part of the Rugby Championship in Australia as he was with his family awaiting the birth of his second child and has been in New Zealand since, playing and training with the Manawatū Turbos in the NPC.

The experienced halfback welcomed a baby boy, Leo, with wife Teagan last week.

The All Blacks on Tuesday confirmed that Smith will now rejoin the squad for the final two weeks of the European tour as injury cover, after Brad Weber suffered a head knock and broken nose in the Test against Italy.

TJ Perenara is still the favourite to start against Ireland on Saturday, but Smith’s return could mean a potential clash between himself and France captain Antoine Dupont next weekend.

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