Auckland – Manawatu, Highlanders’ and All Black half-back Aaron Smith has recommitted to New Zealand rugby, signing a contract that will keep him in the country until at least 2019.
The signing is a coup for the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) with the northern raiders taking advantage of 2015 being a Rugby World Cup year and anticipating rugby players will make the move abroad.
At the conclusion of the World Cup, New Zealand is likely to see a exodus from New Zealand Rugby with Dan Carter, Colin Slade, Ma’a Nonu, Conrad Smith moving overseas and Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock and Richie McCaw likely to retire.
Moving forward past the World Cup, the NZRU has managed to emerge reasonably unscathed after managing to re-sign Julian Savea, Ben Smith, Kieran Read, Brodie Retallick and a host of other players until at least 2017, when the British and Irish Lions visit the country.
Aaron Smith’s deal is likely to keep him in New Zealand until the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.