All Blacks Doug Howlett and Marty Holah have renewed their contracts with the New Zealand Rugby Union for at least another two years, taking them past the next World Cup in France.
Winger Howlett has committed himself to Auckland and the All Blacks until the end of 2009. The 27-year-old made a storming three-try comeback against the Wallabies to help clinch the Tri-Nations series earlier this month after being left out of the starting line-up in other recent matches.
Waikato flanker Marty Holah, perennial understudy to Richie McCaw in the national side, has signed up until the end of 2007.
”Both Doug and Marty have made an outstanding contribution to rugby at all levels in New Zealand and the fact that they have both decided to extend their contracts is fantastic news for us and for their fans,” said NZRU deputy chief executive Steve Tew.
There had been speculation that 29-year-old Holah was looking at moving to Britain because of frustration over his lack of opportunities with the All Blacks.
Until his spectacular return against Australia, Howlett had been overshadowed by Fijian-born cousins Sitiveni Sivivatu and Joe Rokocoko and Rico Gear, feeding speculation the 48 Test veteran with 39 Test tries might also try his luck overseas.
But Howlett said he and other Auckland players who have signed new contracts wanted to stay.
”The common thread for a lot of us is that this is home, this is where a lot our family and friends are,” Howlett said.
Meanwhile back Ma’a Nonu has also signed up for Wellington.
Nonu, who usually plays in the centre for Wellington, had been rumoured to be thinking of a move to rugby league since he lost his place in the All Black squad for the Tri-Nations series.
The proposed introduction of a salary cap in the new premier division of New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship next year also led to talk of unhappiness among some top players. – Sapa-AFP