Former All Blacks and Crusaders captain Kieran Read is set to make a return to competitive sport in a different arena, participating in the T20 Black Clash in New Zealand on January 8th. He will captain Team Rugby in a fun T20 cricket match against Team Cricket.

 Joining Read in Team Rugby is fellow All Blacks and Crusaders legend Richie McCaw, as well as West Indies cricket icon Brian Lara. The T20 Black Clash has been taking place for six years, with Team Cricket winning three of the previous five matches. Read is determined to help Team Rugby draw level this year. While Read values the fun aspect of the event, he also approaches the match with a competitive spirit.

 Despite his successful rugby career, Read feels fortunate to have had a great career and now considers himself a spectator. However, he finds it exciting to play in the T20 Black Clash and appreciates the big crowd and the opportunity to be watched by people again.

 Read is particularly excited about sharing the team with Brian Lara, whom he considers an absolute cricketing legend. Despite not being able to pursue cricket further after leaving school, Read proved his abilities during the 2023 T20 Black Clash in Christchurch, scoring 73 runs and taking three wickets.