The Highlanders could welcome yet another World Cup winner and legend of the Super Rugby franchise with Ben Smith reportedly in talks to join the side for Super Rugby Aotearoa.
The Highlanders confirmed the signing of former All Blacks wing Nehe Milner-Skudder on Wednesday but could add Ben Smith to their outside back ranks with the former All Black having left Top 14 club Pau already.
Smith, a Super Rugby winner with the Highlanders in 2015 and a veteran of 84 tests for the All Blacks, is "odds-on" to return to the Dunedin-based club, according to TVNZ's One News, but has not signed a contract as yet.
Smith, a Super Rugby winner with the Highlanders in 2015 and a veteran of 84 tests for the All Blacks, is an immensely popular figure with New Zealand rugby fans and has often been tipped as the best fullback in the world.
The Highlanders are set to face the Chiefs in the opening game of the Super Rugby Aotearoa season in Dunedin on June 13.
The former All Black is set to head to Japan for the next Top League season but with the TOP14 season called off, he is currently without a club.
