Conrad Smith has returned to training with the Hurricanes but revealed he may not be ready to play their Super Rugby season-opener against the Stormers in Cape Town in just over two weeks time.
Smith, who was appointed Hurricanes captain last November, had an agreement in place with the New Zealand Rugby Union and Hurricanes to have extended leave following the Rugby World Cup.
The All Blacks centre has travelled the world during his three months off and rejoined his Hurricanes team-mates in Wellington on Monday.
He confirmed he would not play in the pre-season game against the Crusaders at Mangatainoka on Saturday and was unclear just when his first game would be.
"Originally when I first arranged this, a couple of years ago, it was likely that I would take a few weeks to get back into things," he said.
"But a lot has changed in this side in the two years since I organised this trip so I don't know," he said in reference to the departures of Ma'a Nonu, Andrew Hore, Piri Weepu, Hosea Gear, Neemia Tialata, John Schwalger and Aaron Cruden.
"I'll see how I feel. If I feel all right within the team trainings then I'd love to be right for the start of the season but that could be pushing things a little."
He continued: "I've only just started training and normally you take a little while. But I'm not ruling it out.
"If I'm not right and I'm still a yard off the pace there is no point in my playing. But obviously I'd love, especially being captain, to be out there early on."
Coach Mark Hammett will be hoping Smith is back in action sooner rather than later given there is a dearth of experience in the new-look Hurricanes who start their season with a tricky road trip to South Africa and Perth to play the Stormers, Lions and Western Force.
Tusi Pisi, who has been recruited from Japan, is not expected in Wellington until after the first three games meaning first five-eighths duties will fall to either Daniel Kirkpatrick or newcomer Beauden Barratt.
Former Crusader Tim Bateman is expected back from Japan before the team leaves for South Africa, but again will need time to settle into his new environment.
If Smith and Bateman don't play, fullback Cory Jane is likely to be the most experienced back on show in the white-hot atmosphere of Newlands Stadium, while No.8 Victor Vito could be called upon to step up as captain, as he did at the tail end of last season.
Vito had been in the running to take over the captaincy this season as well but Smith's experience - he will embark on his ninth Super Rugby season this year - made him the obvious choice.
"I think it's an exciting challenge," Smith said of the added responsibility. "You sometimes need these things when you've played a while and you've been in the same teams.
"I don't know without that challenge it could have been a hard year to get up for... There is a pretty huge challenge in front of me and the team. It's something exciting and what you play foot for I suppose."