Umaga to return for Hurricanes

Tana Umaga is expected to make his return from injury when Wellington play the Otago Highlanders on Sunday.

Tana Umaga is expected to make his return from a five-week injury lay-off when his Wellington Hurricanes team play the Otago Highlanders in Sunday's Super 14 match.

The former All Blacks captain suffered knee ligament damage against South Africa's Cheetahs at Bloemfontein on March 5.

Umaga, who retired from the international game at the end of last season, made a return in a club match on Saturday.

He is expected to be at least a substitute in the Super 14 tenth round match in Dunedin.

Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper said the team would benefit from "just having him back, with his knowledge, what he does and the belief that he'll give the group."