All Blacks coach Ian Foster insists Roger Tuivasa-Sheck isn't a "serious consideration" for his end of year tour squad, after his switch from rugby league and the NZ Warriors.
Tuivasa-Sheck, 28, has returned to New Zealand after saying goodbye to the Warriors last week, where he'll play the upcoming NPC with Auckland on his return to the 15-man code.
Boasting experience as an NRL winner with Sydney Roosters and 20 tests for the New Zealand Kiwis, speculation has already turned towards if Tuivasa-Sheck steps into the All Blacks' reckoning.
Former cross-code star Sonny Bill Williams last week said it's a matter of when and not if Tuivasa-Sheck lines up in the All Blacks' jersey.
With the All Blacks to begin their Bledisloe Cup campaign against Australia on Saturday and their Rugby Championship against Argentina on September 11, the earliest Tuivasa-Sheck would conceivably make the squad would be this year's end of year tour.
But with the All Blacks already possessing healthy numbers in the outside backs, coach Foster says that there's no immediate plans to bring Tuivasa-Sheck into his squad.
"It's not a serious consideration for us at this stage," Foster says.
However, Foster did make it clear that he'd been in contact with Tuivasa-Sheck ahead of his union return, as the All Blacks coach paid tribute to the Warriors for releasing their now former captain from the end of his contract.
"We've had a number of talks with Roger," Foster adds.
"The fact he's been able to come back early is great for him. It's a massive kudos to the Warriors as an organisation for what they've done for him.
"They've given him a chance to have a bit more of a run into the campaign. First and foremost, I think it's a fantastic gesture from them. And I'm sure Roger greatly appreciates it."
Foster also says that expectation won't be too high on Tuivasa-Sheck straight away, and will allow him to take his time re-adapting to rugby union, after last playing as a schoolboy.
"What do we expect out of him? We expect him to go in there and put a smile on his face and learn something new.
"It's quite stimulating learning something new. He's motivated and I'm sure with him and Alama [Ieremia] they'll work on a really good plan, and we'll keep an eye on him."
Auckland begin their NPC season against Canterbury on Sunday, but Newshub understands that Tuivasa-Sheck will not feature after his return from Australia.
