Wellington ¨C All Blacks halfback Aaron Smith has re-signed with New Zealand Rugby through to the 2023 World Cup in France.
Smith, the most-capped New Zealand scrumhalf of all time with 97 test appearances, will also remain with his long-time provincial side Otago Highlanders as part of his extension.
¡°Last year was a tough one for sport, but hopefully we¡¯ll soon see the world rugby calendar start to take shape and there¡¯ll be plenty of exciting, new challenges to look forward to,¡± the 32-year-old said in a New Zealand Rugby release on Tuesday.
Smith was starting scrumhalf in the All Blacks¡¯ 2015 World Cup final win over Australia at Twickenham and during their run to the semifinals in Japan last year.
All Blacks coach Ian Foster hailed Smith¡¯s recommitment.
¡°He is so instrumental in the way we play the game and is such a vital cog for us, both on and off the field, so this is fantastic news,¡± he said.
Smith played his 151st match with the Highlanders in New Zealand¡¯s domestic Super Rugby Aotearoa competition over the weekend and is only two away from reaching fellow All Black Ben Smith¡¯s record (153) at the club.
¡°As co-captain, ¡®Nug¡¯ is a huge part of this team,¡± Highlanders coach Tony Brown said.
¡°He continues to be world class and works extremely hard to maintain it. That hard work and professionalism is a fantastic example to the rest of the team, particularly the young fellows coming into the team.¡±
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