Read and Nadolo named in Crusaders development side

All Blacks No.8 Kieran Read and Flying Fijians star Nemani Nadolo have been named in the Crusaders' development side as they prepare to make their Super Rugby returns in round five.

The 72‑Test veteran is one of four All Blacks in the Crusaders Knights side to play a Hurricanes development team in Wellington on tomorrow while Nadolo is back in Christchurch after wrapping up his commitments in Japan.

Read, who has been rested through the first three rounds of Super Rugby, will play alongside prop Joe Moody, lock Dominic Bird and No.8 Luke Whitelock, who have all been involved in the Crusaders 1 win and 2 loss start to the season.

All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock should also be available for the Crusaders in round five with his "mini‑sabbatical" scheduled to finish while fullback Israel Dagg who missed out last week also likely to return from an injury.

The Crusaders is on bye this week while the Chiefs will take on the Highlanders at 6.35pm Friday.