Isaac Ross. Photo / Sarah Ivey
The Chiefs are lining up former All Black lock Isaac Ross for next year's Super 15.
Ross' fall from national favour has been as swift as his elevation last season, when he played eight tests in a row.
His final test was in Hamilton in the Tri-Nations loss to the
Springboks and he has not been seen near the squad since.
Tom Donnelly took his place while a fit Anthony Boric was then added to the end-of-year squad.
At the same time Ross was urged to get into the gym, bulk up and think about bringing more of a physical edge to his game.
Those All Black messages were repeated this year after Ross was left out of regular Crusaders' selections then the frontline NZ Maori side.
"Isaac knows clearly what he has got to do," national forwards coach Steve Hansen said.
"I think everyone that has watched Isaac play knows what Isaac has got to do. And Isaac really needs to understand that the only person that can fix Isaac's problems is Isaac."
The 25-year-old Ross admitted then that he was unsure about continuing with rugby, however the Chiefs will include him in their playing roster when the franchise sides are confirmed in November.
It is understood he will join Callum Retallick, Craig Clarke and maybe Hayden Triggs in the side's locking choices.
For Ross, selection in the Chiefs may be a lifeline in what had looked like a promising career. He was a bewildered and confused player midway through this season.
"I don't really know what's going on. It's sort of just the thought of one person and now everyone thinks my s*** stinks, basically," he said.
Ross has been a Highlander and Crusader already in his brief Super rugby career and a move north may be his last shot at regular selection in this country.
