Adam Thomson's future with the Highlanders is unclear and there is speculation he is pondering a move to the Blues.
Thomson was named in the 28-man All Black squad for the Rugby Championship but has been left out of the squad for the first two games of the series.
To get some playing time, the loose forward will turn out for Otago against Northland in the ITM Cup match at Forsyth Barr Stadium today.
Thomson, who has racked up 27 tests for the All Blacks since making his debut in 2008, is at the end of a two-year contract with the Highlanders and there is talk he may look at a move to the Blues next year.
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph said Thomson was at the end of his contract and it was up to him where he would play his rugby next year.
The Highlanders would like the flanker back, Joseph said, but Thomson had a big decision to make on his future.
Thomson had not committed to any team or made a decision to head overseas.
Suggestions Thomson may look to shift to the Blues were news to Joseph.
Thomson (30) has stayed loyal to the Highlanders. He could have joined the Crusaders a couple of years ago but decided to stick with the Highlanders and became one of the key players as the side made advances over the past two seasons.
One player who is moving on is Nick Crosswell, who has signed with the Chiefs.