Bay of Plenty flanker Tanerau Latimer has recommitted himself to Super Rugby and the Chiefs for another two seasons.
Latimer, a former All Black, New Zealand Maori and sevens Commonwealth Games gold medallist, has been one of the top-performing flankers in the Super Rugby competition this year. The 26-year-old hassigned with the Chiefs franchise until 2014.
Latimer was one of the first players new coach Dave Rennie locked into the leading New Zealand franchise.
"We are really rapt. He is a top man with exceptional work ethic and has a positive influence on our team as part of our leadership group. He epitomises everything we want in a Chiefs player."
Latimer, who has his first child on the way, said: "I am a Chiefs player through and through. I love the region, the team and can think of no better place to raise a family than New Zealand."
Latimer is having the most consistent season of his career. Some of it is due to his Bay of Plenty teammate Sam Cane keeping him on his toes, but most of it he believes is the environment that's been created by the coaches - Rennie, Wayne Smith, Tom Coventry and Andrew Strawbridge.
