Highlanders captain and former All Black skipper Anton Oliver has been allowed to play for the English Barbarians after new national coach Graham Henry told him he was not one of the top two hookers in the country.
Henry is overseas at the moment, but assistant coach Steve Hansen said Henry had spoken to Oliver.
"We have been very upfront about it and Anton, to his credit, has been very understanding," Hansen said.
"Graham told him that he is not considered to be the number one or number two hooker at the moment but is definitely still in the All Blacks' frame if something happens to the top two candidates.
"The All Blacks selectors discussed Anton's situation and given his long service to New Zealand rugby, and the fact that it is a real honour to play for the UK Barbarians, we felt he should be rewarded by being allowed to play for them rather than sitting on the reserves bench at the trial," Hansen said in a statement on Thursday afternoon.
Oliver was dumped from the All Blacks prior to the Tri-Nations campaign last year and was looking forward to playing for the Barbarians.
"Following discussions with Graham Henry I have decided to take up an opportunity to play for the Barbarians in the UK next month," Oliver said in a statement.
"I have not played for the Barbarians before due to other rugby commitments and I am looking forward to the experience."
"While disappointed not to be currently considered amongst the top two hookers in the country, I am grateful to the All Blacks management for allowing me to play for the Baabaas and further stake my claim to be an All Black in 2004."
