All Blacks loose forward Ardie Savea has signed a new two-year deal with New Zealand Rugby and the Hurricanes.
Ardie Savea scores his first try for the All Blacks. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The 22 year old, who made his All Blacks Test debut against Wales last month, said it had been an easy decision to re-commit until the end of 2018.
"I'm loving my rugby right now at all levels of the game and I'm excited about the future with both the Hurricanes and, if I'm good enough to be selected again, the All Blacks.
"Wellington is my home and I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to continue my career close to family and friends."
Savea, who made his Hurricanes debut in 2013, said the environment at the club had been a big part of his development and he was looking forward to continuing to improve over the next two seasons.
"After breaking into the starting team last year, I want to push on and hopefully I can help the team reach higher honours."
Savea produced powerful performances in his first two Tests for the All Blacks, scoring a try and making a notable impact from the bench.
All Black flanker Ardie Savea in action in Wellington 2016. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
His efforts in those two games were so impressive many pundits have called for him to start at openside in place of incumbent Sam Cane.
The All Blacks' flankers Ardie Savea and Sam Cane. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Savea's re-signing has been welcomed by the Hurricanes Coach Chris Boyd, who said there had never been any doubt about Savea's raw talent and that he too was excited about watching him achieve his full potential.
Ardie Savea scores the first of his two tries for the Hurricanes in their 27-20 win over the Highlanders. Photo: Photosport
"Everybody talks about Ardie's talent, but what they may not see is that he's a real team man and he puts everything he has into his rugby.
"There's no doubt he's a key man for the Hurricanes going forward and we're all looking forward to the next stage of his development."
-RNZ
