New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and the Chiefs Rugby have agreed to an immediate short-term release to allow Shaun Stevenson to play for Japanese side Kubota Spears.
He will return to New Zealand to be available for the Chiefs for Round 4 of Super Rugby Pacific against the Blues.
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NZR General Manager of Professional Rugby and Performance Chris Lendrum said the decision was a good outcome for all parties.
“We’ve been discussing Shaun’s future for a little while and have reached a decision that balances Shaun’s individual circumstances with his commitments to the Gallagher Chiefs and Super Rugby.
“Shaun has been a professional rugby player in New Zealand for 10 years and has progressed through to the very top of our game. Throughout that time, he has been a committed Chiefs player and remains so for the upcoming season.”
Stevenson has played one game for the All Blacks and just under 100 Super Rugby games, all for the Chiefs.