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Important update on 1476AMShannon Frizell returns to New Zealand Rugby on World Cup mission
Sport Nation • April 7th, 2026 1:23 pm
Shannon Frizell | Photo: Photosport
The Highlanders and the All Blacks have received a major boost, with loose forward Shannon Frizell set to return to New Zealand after his stint in Japan.
Frizell, who boasts 68 caps for the Highlanders and 33 Tests for the All Blacks, will rejoin New Zealand Rugby in mid-2026 to play for Tasman in the NPC, before linking back up with the southern franchise the following Super Rugby Pacific season.
It means he'll also be eligible for Dave Rennie's World Cup squad to travel to Australia in 2027.
The 32-year-old has been playing with Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo since 2023, helping the side to back-to-back Japan Rugby League One titles, while also featuring for the ANZAC XV against the British & Irish Lions last year.
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A powerful ball carrier and lineout option, Frizell shapes as a key addition to both Rennie's and Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph’s pack.
“Shannon returning to the Highlanders is a real bonus for the club, and it’s great to see a seasoned international player prepared to return to Super Rugby to have a crack at making the All Blacks," said Joseph in a statement..
"He knows our culture well, he’s a hard‑working player, and he’ll fit seamlessly into our team.”
Highlanders CEO Roger Clark said the move adds further momentum to the squad’s growth, while NZR interim chief executive Steve Lancaster noted Frizell’s return as a boost for the domestic game.
