 Marshall will play alongside Andrew Mehrtens and Jonah Lomu |
Justin Marshall will play for the 'Classic All Blacks' in Japan this week, instead of in the Ospreys' final two Magners League games. The west Glamorgan side have a strong chance of claiming the title, but must win at the Dragons on Tuesday and at Border Reivers on Saturday.
Marshall, their leading scrum-half, will be playing friendly games against Japan XVs on Wednesday and Saturday.
"We have an agreement with Justin about this," said Ospreys boss Kevin Hopkins.
"When he joined us from Leeds we respected his desire to accept invitations to play at a level as close to international rugby as possible.
"The contract was based around the strength-in-depth available to us with our squad."
The New Zealand side in Japan will be captained by Andrew Mehrtens and will include the likes of Jonah Lomu and Carlos Spencer.
A boost for the Ospreys was provided by the news that Gavin Henson will return from his knee injury for Saturday's game at Netherdale.
"It will give the squad a timely boost to have a player of Gavin's quality involved in what I am sure will be another stern test in Scotland," said Ospreys coach Lyn Jones.
"Gavin has worked hard on his rehabilitation and he has progressed better than we expected.
"He needs game time and it will be great to have some fresh legs in the squad."
As well as needing to win their final two games, the Ospreys are relying on the second-placed Cardiff Blues defeating leaders Leinster on Friday for the west Glamorgan side to be able to claim the title for the second time.
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