Codie Taylor makes his return for the Crusaders this weekend as they take on the Highlanders in a must-win game in Dunedin.
The 85-test All Black opted to take a six month non-playing sabbatical from rugby, as per his contract, which allowed him to have time away from the sport.
Taylor said he spent most of the break with his family and ensuring he can play longer towards the back end of his career.
When asked if he considered using his time off to make a move overseas, Taylor said he had no plans to leave New Zealand because he’s just started his family.
“I’ve got a young family so it would be hard, I have to balance what's right for them as well as my rugby career," said Taylor.
The 33-year-old is hoping to be part of the next Rugby World Cup - and used the break to have some rehab and recovery.
However, the veteran hooker had to sit at home and watch the Crusaders poor run of form to start the Super Rugby Pacific season.
“Watching the boys has been tough…I didn't have any idea of what the boys were going through, I was more of a fan."
The Crusaders take on the Highlanders on Saturday night in Dunedin in what is an important South Island derby for both teams, as they have both struggled to pick up points this season.
Taylor has been named to start at hooker and has been training with the Crusaders squad for the past two weeks.
“The Highlanders are always a tough team to play down there, they're a scrappy team that’ll be fired up.
“Every game from here is a final for us, Crusaders relish on pressure and finals footy, so that's our mindset going into it.”
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