New Zealand fullback Smith to take sabbatical - report

Rugby Union - New Zealand All Blacks v British and Irish Lions - Lions Tour - Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand - June 24, 2017. New Zealand's Ben Smith in action. REUTERS/David Gray

WELLINGTON (Reuters) - All Blacks fullback Ben Smith is expected to take a sabbatical and miss eight of the world champions' test matches later this year, according to local media on Sunday.

Smith signed a contract extension with New Zealand Rugby (NZR) earlier this year, with a sabbatical clause that allows him to take a break from rugby.