Richie Mo'unga has been cleared by New Zealand Rugby to join the All Blacks touring squad in South Africa, replacing centre Billy Proctor, who returns home with a shoulder injury.
The 56-cap flyhalf spent the last three years in Japan and was excluded from the original tour squad under NZR's overseas-based player policy. His eligibility was restored after he returned to New Zealand and featured for Canterbury, where he scored the match-winner against Auckland before guiding the province to a 19-15 win over Otago to claim the Ranfurly Shield for a record 18th time.
"Richie is the obvious choice as a replacement. His job now is to get in and learn our systems, get his head around the detail and earn the right to play," said All Blacks coach Dave Rennie.
Damian McKenzie, one of four flyhalves already in the touring squad, sprained an ankle in Tuesday's 54-0 win over the Sharks in Durban, though Rennie confirmed he will be available for the first Test against the Springboks at Ellis Park on August 22.