Josh Ioane. Photo: Getty
The first five-eighth has been called in to rejoin the All Blacks for their match against Tonga in Hamilton on Saturday.
Otago coach Ben Herring confirmed Ioane will miss the game against Taranaki at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
Ioane has been a member of the All Blacks' squad this year, although is yet to make his debut.
It leaves Otago without a key man ahead of its toughest Shield defence yet.
After missing the Mitre 10 Cup's first two games, he returned to Otago for its last two against Hawke's Bay and Manawatu.
The side has been light in the position in his absence and turned to utility back Vilimoni Koroi for cover earlier in the season.
