Brodie Retallick won't be rushed back into action with the All Blacks after a family tragedy earlier this month, coach Steve Hansen said today.
Retallick, 26, hasn't played for the All Blacks since last month, after his partner Niki suffered a miscarriage at the beginning of October.
The 68-Test lock won't travel with the All Blacks on the end of year tour, being allowed time to grieve, Hansen told media today.
"I'm sure he and Niki would love him to be here, but things are such that he's not," Hansen said.
"There's no pressure from us - when he's ready, he'll be back.
"The key thing is that it's about them, we talk about being a family so we're just being supportive."
All Blacks squad:
Forwards : Asafo Aumua, Dane Coles, Nathan Harris, Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett, Kane Hames, Nepo Laulala, Tim Perry, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Scott Barrett, Luke Romano, Patrick Tuipulotu, Samuel Whitelock, Sam Cane, Vaea Fifita, Jerome Kaino, Kieran Read, Ardie Savea, Liam Squire, Matt Todd.
Backs : Tawera Kerr–Barlow, TJ Perenara, Aaron Smith, Beauden Barrett, Lima Sopoaga, Ryan Crotty, Jack Goodhue, Ngani Laumape, Anton Lienert-Brown, Sonny Bill Williams, David Havili, Matt Duffie, Rieko Ioane, Damian McKenzie, Waisake Naholo, Seta Tamanivalu.
All Blacks' Northern tour:
November 5: All Blacks v Barbarians, London
November 12: All Blacks v France, Paris
November 15: All Blacks v French XV, Lyon
November 19: All Blacks v Scotland, Edinburgh
November 26: All Blacks v Wales, Cardiff
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