All Blacks lock Josh Lord re-signs with Chiefs and Taranaki to 2029

Josh Lord makes a break against Scotland. Photo / Photosport

All Blacks lock Josh Lord has extended his commitment to New Zealand Rugby, the Chiefs and Taranaki through to the end of 2029.

Lord, 25, who was born in Auckland and educated at Hamilton Boys’ High School, says staying with the Chiefs, and his provincial union, Taranaki, and in New Zealand was an easy decision.

“It’s a big few years coming up with the All Blacks, we have the South African tour, the World Cup and the Lions as well.

“And Hamilton, the Chiefs and Taranaki are home. This is where I’ve had the opportunity to grow and get better as a person. Four more years here is going to be good for my family and my footy.”

Lord debuted for the Chiefs against the Crusaders in 2021 and became an All Black the same year with a test debut against the USA. An ACL injury ruined his 2022, but he came back the following year, playing for the Gallagher Chiefs from round nine of the Super Rugby Pacific season and getting picked in the All Blacks again.

He has played 12 tests, 37 games for the Chiefs and 34 games for Taranaki since his provincial debut in 2019.

Josh Lord of the Chiefs passes the ball during the round two Super Rugby match between Highlanders and Chiefs. Photo / Getty Images

“This club means a lot to me,” Lord said of the Chiefs. “They have shown a lot of faith in me, first as a young fella and then in the last few years when I’ve had a lot of injuries and they’ve continued that faith. It’s a team I love to play for – I love the fans and I love putting on the Chiefs jersey.

“We have a great coaching group and a superb bunch of players with some young fellas coming through, so it’s exciting to be staying here.”

Lord would have likely played more than his 12 tests if not for injuries. He is a very mobile lock, with good ball skills, and at 2.04m tall, he has a lot to offer in the international arena.

The towering lock is tied for third on the tallest All Blacks locks list alongside Fabian Holland, Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock, and behind Mark Cooksley at 2.05m and Dominic Bird, 2.06m.

Chiefs head coach Jono Gibbes said it was terrific to have Lord recommit to the club as he has a promising future.

“He is a player with a great range of skills and with his physical abilities has shown that he is comfortable at the international level. To have someone like him in our team for the upcoming seasons is exciting. His was an important signature for us and our region.”

Taranaki Rugby CEO Jimmy Fastier said Lord was developing into a world-class player.

“Josh is one of the most exciting locks in the country. He has grown enormously since making his debut for the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls in 2019, and we look forward to watching his game go from strength to strength in the years to come.”