Code-hopping rugby star Sonny Bill Williams looks set to be included in the All Blacks' end of year tour squad after being granted a special dispensation.
The 29-year-old, who will rejoin the 15-a-side game once his two-year rugby league deal with the Sydney Roosters is over, may not play a domestic rugby game before the tour squad is picked.
But the New Zealand Rugby board have granted him an exemption to be selected without having played in the national provincial championship.
NZ Rugby boss Steve Tew said the All Blacks' coaching staff will be permitted to select the World Cup-winner if they want him in the squad.
Williams has signed to play for Counties Manukau in the domestic competition, but the Roosters are assured of making the NRL finals, putting his availability in doubt.
It is possible his commitments in the 13-a-side code will prevent him from playing for the Tana Umaga-coached side, whose regular season winds up four days after the NRL grand final on October 5.
The All Blacks' end of season tour begins against the United States in Chicago on November 1 followed by Tests against England, Scotland and Wales over successive weekends.
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