Jonah Lomu is set to sign a new contract with the All Blacks in the next 24 hours and confirm his availability for New Zealand's autumn tour of Europe and Argentina.
All Blacks Justin Marshall and Christian Cullen have expressed concerns about the tour - which takes in matches against Ireland and Scotland - because of the military action in Afghanistan.
Taine Randell has also spoken of the need for time to consider the situation.
But Lomu will sign a new deal with the New Zealand Rugby Football Union and plans to travel with the All Blacks.
The All Blacks squad is to be announced November 4th and the tour party is to depart just three days later.
Australia's rugby league side have been criticised for cancelling their five-week British tour, although a shortened version is likely to be accepted within the next couple of days.
New Zealand RFU president Lane Penn, chairman Murray McCaw and chief executive David Rutherford are leading the calls for their tour to go ahead and will travel with the team.
PA