New Zealand Rugby and the Chiefs have agreed to an immediate short-term release to allow Shaun Stevenson to play for Japanese side Kubota Spears.
Stevenson will return to New Zealand to be available for the Chiefs for round four of Super Rugby Pacific.
NZR general manager of professional rugby Chris Lendrum said the decision was a good outcome for all parties.
"We’ve been discussing Shaun’s future for a little while and have reached a decision that balances Shaun’s individual circumstances with his commitments to the Chiefs and Super Rugby.
"Shaun has been a professional rugby player in New Zealand for 10 years and has progressed through to the very top of our game. Throughout that time, he has been a committed Chiefs player and remains so for the upcoming season." — APL
