The 30-year-old re-signed with New Zealand Rugby in February, and part of the contract was to allow him to play for the Highlanders against the British and Irish Lions on June 13 instead of the All Blacks test against Samoa three days later.
Highlanders coach Tony Brown confirmed the deal on Trackside Radio this morning, also revealing that Smith was desperate to have the Dunedin-based franchise at full-strength for the clash against the Lions.
"There's plenty of truth to that," Brown said.
