The All Black halfback is back at training with the Highlanders after seven weeks of work in his home gym.

Smith says it was like a free sabbatical and could give him an extra year of playing at the end of his career.

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Other Rugby News

01 Jul: The spectre of a second-string opponent is just something the All Blacks have to deal with

01 Jul: Two more Wallabies have been pulled out of the test squad to join their Super Rugby sides ahead of matches against the touring British and Irish Lions

01 Jul: Levi Aumua is departing the Crusaders after two Super Rugby seasons

30 Jun: All Blacks coach Scott Robertson' laying down a statement of intent to start the first test week of the year

30 Jun: Tamaiti Williams has become the latest All Black to play through the pain in a Super Rugby final - then pay for it later

30 Jun: Another All Blacks forward has been ruled out of this month's series against France

30 Jun: Black Ferns coach Allan Bunting's made four changes to his 33-woman squad for the side's final outings before their World Cup defence, starting August 23

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