All Black centre Sonny Bill Williams will arrive at Counties Manukau on Monday, October 6, meaning he will not take on Southland this weekend.
Williams will play for the Steelers during the rest of their regular-season matches, with his first game coming against Auckland two days after arriving.
He'll then face Tasman on the Sunday (October 12).
"This is another exciting chapter for Counties Manukau Rugby and we are rapt that an athlete of Sonny Bill Williams' calibre has chosen to join the Steelers," Counties Manukau CEO Andrew Maddock revealed to the Steelers' website.
"It is great news for our fans, sponsors and Union that he will play ITM Cup this season when he was not expected to join us till next year. This just shows how dedicated he is to immersing himself back into rugby and gaining the respect of his new team and supporters."
