Unwanted by the Highlanders, or anyone else this Super Rugby season, Jason Rutledge is in the unusual position of preparing to play his former teammates for the Hurricanes this weekend.
Southland hooker Rutledge reported for Hurricanes duty this morning (Mon) after an emergency call-up from coach Mark Hammett, who needed cover following Dane Coles' ankle sprain and Matu Matu'u's shoulder injury in the victory over the Crusaders.
Rutledge, 35, told media in Wellington he was pleased to be involved, although wearing the Hurricanes training kit was unusual.
"It's weird enough standing here in a Hurricanes training jersey,'' he said. "So yeah I guess it would be pretty strange [to play Highlanders].''
Rutledge played five seasons with the Highlanders and said he would be uncomfortable revealing too many of his former team's secrets.