Aaron Smith recommits to NZ Rugby until 2019

Aaron Smith of the All Blacks passes the ball during The Rugby Championship match between the Australia Wallabies and the New Zealand All Blacks. Photo / Getty Images.

Aaron Smith has recommitted to New Zealand Rugby until the end of the 2019 season.

26-year-old Smith, who has played 41 Tests for the All Blacks, 78 games for the Highlanders and more than 40 matches for the Manawatu Turbos, has become an integral part of the All Blacks and Highlanders success over the last few years.

He was a standout player for the Highlanders this season helping the team to their inaugural Super Rugby title and carried his form into the All Blacks season.

Smith said: "I'm really excited and thankful for the commitment shown from New Zealand Rugby, including the Highlanders and Manawatu Turbos. Knowing I'm contracted for the next four years allows me to focus on my rugby and there are some exciting challenges ahead for the All Blacks which I hope to be part of. Dunedin is my home and I wouldn't want to play my Super Rugby anywhere else; the Highlanders brotherhood is something pretty special and I can't wait for next season."

Smith joins All Blacks teammates Julian Savea, Brodie Retallick and Dane Coles who announced four-year deals earlier this year, while Jerome Kaino and Wyatt Crockett are contracted through until 2018.

Players locked in to 2017 include Kieran Read, Sam Whitelock, Owen Franks, Cory Jane, Israel Dagg, Aaron Cruden, Ben Smith, Charlie Faumuina, Sam Cane, Steven Luatua, Malakai Fekitoa, Hikawera Elliot, Nepo Laulala, Codie Taylor, James Broadhurst, Tawera Kerr Barlow, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Waisake Naholo, Brad Weber, Charlie Ngatai and Ryan Crotty; with Sonny Bill Williams, Augustine Pulu, Beauden Barrett, Joe Moody, Lima Sopoaga, Luke Romano, Matt Todd, Victor Vito, George Moala, TJ Perenara, Dominic Bird, Patrick Tuipulotu and Andy Ellis contracted through to the end of next year.