All Black captain Kieran Read has returned from injury with the Lions series fast approaching. 

Read hadn't played since New Zealand faced France last November and took an extended period for rehabilitation since undergoing surgery on his wrist.

It was nine years since he last played for the University side and they enjoyed a comfortable 60-11 win over local rivals Linwood.

The 31 year old has 97 international caps and took over the New Zealand captaincy when Richie McCaw retired after winning the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England.

Speaking to the media afterwards, Read said: It was nice, it was awesome to get out with the lads. The legs, the legs were not used to it I guess, making tackles, getting up, just all that type of running you do, it's hard to replicate that in training. It's nice to get a wee hit-out and I look forward to next weekend.

"For me it was just about enjoying the day, I didn't want to come across and say too much to be honest just wanted to sit back and enjoy it and just let the boys do their thing and just play as well as I could."

"It certainly felt like a full-on game. Club rugby is alive and well when you've got a crowd like this turning up. I really enjoyed the atmosphere down here and just put on the boots and get a bit of contact on the body again is always nice."

The news of Read's return will be a huge boost for Steve Hansen with Sonny Bill Williams also nearing full fitness.

The Lions tour begins in June.