Lee back in training for Otago

Danny Lee resumed light training with the Otago rugby squad yesterday in his first team training since February.

The 2002 All Blacks halfback missed the entire Super 12 this year after injuring an ankle in a pre-season game in Oamaru.

He later had surgery on the ankle and is coming off a long period of rehabilitation.

Otago coach Wayne Graham said he was encouraged by Lee's progress, but it was too early to set a date for his return to the playing field.

"It's practice by practice really, but we're optimistic at how he's coming along," Graham said.

"We're hopeful he might be ready by the start of the NPC on August 14. That's the plan, anyway."