Rodney So’oialo’s future as a valued member of Graham Henry’s New Zealand side is in doubt after he was given permission to link up with the Barbarians for the forthcoming tests against England and Ireland.
So’oialo, the dreadlocked Hurricanes number 8, has won 62 caps during an illustrious All Blacks careerwhich has also seen him deputize as captain on several occasions when Richie McCaw was ruled out through injury.
However, he has found himself usurped by Kieran Read, the Crusaders number 8, over the past 12 months.
And So’oialo’s hopes of adding to his tally appear to be receding after the news that he will travel to the northern hemisphere to join up with the Baa-baas for the games at Twickenham and Thomond Park over the next ten days.
New Zealand coach Henry is due to announce his squad on Sunday for the summer series in which the All Blacks will take on Ireland on 12 June before back-to-back tests against Wales over the following fortnight.
