All Blacks flanker Shannon Frizell poised to return to Highlanders
Saturday, 4 April 2026
There will soon be another contender for the All Blacks No 6 jersey in the form of familiar face.
The Post understands that Shannon Frizell will return to the Highlanders next year in a bid to make the All Blacks’ Rugby World Cup squad in 2027.
Frizell left New Zealand after the 2023 Rugby World Cup and has been playing alongside Richie Mo’unga for Toshiba Brave Lupus in Japan Rugby League One (JRLO).
The Highlanders declined to comment on Frizell’s potential return but The Post understands that Toshiba have already found a replacement by signing Scotland loose forward Jack Dempsey, the former Wallaby.
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Frizell, 32, has been injured this year but made his return for Toshiba last weekend.
JRLO champions Toshiba have struggled this year without the injured Frizell and lock Warner Dearns, who is spending a season with the Hurricanes.
Toshiba currently sit in the sixth playoff spot and will be hoping that Frizell’s return sparks a return to form.
New All Blacks coach Dave Rennie, who coaches Kobe in Japan, will be in the perfect position to judge Frizell’s form but All Blacks assistant Jason Ryan has previously been a strong supporter of the blindside flanker.
The All Blacks finished last year with the Chiefs’ Simon Parker in the No 6 jersey, but no one has truly nailed down the role after the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
At 195cm, Frizell is a strong lineout option and when he is at his best he’s a powerful ball carrier and defender.
It is unclear how long Frizell has signed for but it is highly likely that would need an exemption from New Zealand Rugby to be selected for the All Blacks again without first playing provincial rugby.
The All Blacks’ tour of South Africa starts with a game against the Stormers on August 8, NZ time, a week after the start of the NPC.
The All Blacks will take a squad of more than 40 players to South Africa - and Frizell’s size and experience would be valuable - but he might have to bide his time unless new All Blacks coach Dave Rennie can persuade NZ Rugby that the huge demands of the tour require a different selection approach.