Corey Flynn never contemplated retirement when he suffered yet another broken arm while playing for the Crusaders in the Super 14 earlier this year.

It was the latest in a series of arm injuries that has plagued the 28-year-old hooker throughout his career which has seen him manage just five Tests for New Zealand since making his debut against Canada in Melbourne at the 2003 World Cup.

"I haven't even thought about (retirement). It creeps into the mind but you squash it pretty quickly because you only get to play this game for so long," he said.

"Retirement is a long way off as long as the body stays fit."

It has stayed strong enough for him to fight his way back into the All Blacks squad for the Test against Australia in Tokyo and the four Tests and game against the Barbarians that will be played in Europe.

"To be back here is pretty special. You will see a big smile on my face for the next six weeks. I'm just really rapt and really looking forward to it," he told reporters after the second day of training in Auckland.

"I feel in the shape of my life. I feel really good and the arms are fine."

Flynn is one of only two hookers in the 33-man squad and will be fighting for the starting position with incumbent Andrew Hore.

"I suppose it takes the pressure off when the team is being named as you know that you are going to be there or there abouts pretty much every game," he said.

"We have got to be on our game. We have been working together pretty hard to make sure we are up to speed."