Look out for the player in the No8 jersey for University next week

‘‘...we will look to give him around 40 minutes of club footy for University.’’ Crusaders assistant coach Jason Ryan

A huge crowd is sure to follow Kieran Read’s every move if he makes a rare appearance for his University club side on April 8.

All Blacks captain Read, who has not played any rugby this year since having wrist surgery during the off-season, is scheduled to represent University in their match against Linwood at Linfield in the second round of the Christchurch metro club competition.

Sightings of All Blacks in club footy have been rare during the professional era, but the Crusaders, who have a bye on April 7-9, want their No 8 to get a chance to build his match fitness before asking him to return to work in Super Rugby.

‘‘Realistically, we are hoping in that bye week he will get a run for his club,’’ Crusaders assistant coach Jason Ryan said.

‘‘He is tracking well, really well. At this stage we will look to give him around 40 minutes of club footy for University.

‘‘He has been on his toes, and ready to go. He is looking really good.’’ The return of Read, who has made 97 test appearances, will not just be of interest to club supporters. All Blacks coach Steve Hansen will be hoping his skipper makes a smooth transition back to playing, as he counts down the weeks to the tour by the British and Irish Lions in June and July.

If Read, who has been easing himself back into trainings with the Crusaders and also offering his share of input during meetings, remains fit, he should raise a century of tests for his country in the third and final match against the Lions at Eden Park on July 8.

He has also stated he is keen to represent the Crusaders when they meet the Lions in Christchurch on June 10.

The unbeaten Crusaders are expected to name Whetu Douglas, who missed the match against the Force last weekend to allow him to recover from a busy start to the season, at No 8 when they meet the Waratahs in Sydney on Sunday evening.

If Robertson is satisfied with with Read’s progress, he could make his return to Super Rugby in the round eight match on April 14.