Rugby: Hurricanes' Gareth Evans released for short stint in Japan before Super rugby season

New Zealand's Gareth Evans, top, catches the ball during their rugby test Japan at the Ajinomoto Stadium in Tokyo, Japan, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

New All Black loose forward Gareth Evans will remain in Japan before returning to the Hurricanes for the 2019 Super Rugby season.

Evans, who made his All Blacks debut off the bench in a 69-31 win over Japan last night, has been released by the Hurricanes to take up a two-month contract with Japanese club NTT Docomo.

It won't be the end of Evans' time with the Wellington club, though, with the 27-year-old re-signing with the 2016 champions until the end of their 2020 campaign.

Hurricanes general manager of rugby Ben Castle said Evans was a player who would offer the club a lot both on and off the field in the coming years.

"We saw just how good Gareth was throughout last season and he certainly made his presence felt. It was good reward for all his hard work to see him playing for the All Blacks," Castle said.

NTT Docomo, known as the Red Hurricanes in Japan, is coached by former All Blacks captain Mike Brewer. In joining the team, Evans will link up with returning Highlanders No 10 Marty Banks.

The Red Hurricanes were relegated from the Japanese Top League at the end of last season, and will play in the Top Challenge League in their 2018-19 campaign.