Smith to miss Highlanders clash with Lions

Highlanders fullback Ben Smith will not play for the franchise against the British and Irish Lions.

Smith confirmed today he did have a clause in his contract to play for the Highlanders this year against the Lions, but this was before the All Blacks scheduled a test three days after the game at Forsyth Barr Stadium on June 13.

He has decided to pull out of the Highlanders clash and play for his country.