Ryan Crotty has been given permission by All Blacks management to play for Canterbury in the Mitre 10 Cup after recovering from a thumb injury.

The centre could play his first game in over two months since fracturing his thumb while playing for the Crusaders in the Super Rugby semi-finals.

Crotty has not been involved in any Test rugby for the All Blacks this year, but is still expected to be named in their 31-man squad for the World Cup.

However, as he is in need of game time, Crotty will be available for selection for Canterbury in their match against Southland on Saturday, the club confirmed to Stuff.co.nz.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen will announce his squad for the World Cup on Wednesday. Crotty may not be the only player short of Test-rugby minutes in the squad, as loose forward Liam Squire has made himself available for selection after struggling with injury throughout the year.

The All Blacks open their campaign against the Springboks on 21 September in Yokohama.

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