Dane Coles has been included in the Hurricanes squad for their two week tour of South Africa after making a successful comeback from injury.
The touring squad features a 16-forward, 11-back split and also sees the return of flyhalf Beauden Barrett, who missed the Hurricanes loss to the Jaguares due to the second of his All Black rest weeks.
Club captain Coles last featured for the Hurricanes in their round five match against the Chiefs and makes his return to the squad with Gareth Evans, who has not played since round two.
The pair played club rugby in Wellington yesterday and coach John Plumtree said that they were ready to make the two-match tour.
The Hurricanes begin their tour against the Sharks in Durban next Saturday before facing the Lions in Johannesburg the following weekend.
Hurricanes squad:
Forwards: Jeff To’omaga-Allen, Fraser Armstrong, Toby Smith, Chris Eves, Ross Geldenhuys, Dane Coles, Asafo Aumua, Ricky Riccitelli, James Blackwell, Kane Le’aupepe, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Ardie Savea, Gareth Evans, Vaea Fifita, Reed Prinsep, Du’Plessis Kirifi.