All Blacks: Mealamu re-signs with Blues

At 34, Keven Mealamu is one of the old guard in the All Blacks, but has struggled with calf problems this year. Photo / Getty Images

All Blacks, Blues and Auckland hooker Keven Mealamu has re-signed with New Zealand Rugby and the Blues.

34-year-old Mealamu has so far played 105 tests for the All Blacks and is New Zealand's most capped Super Rugby player with more than 150 games. His contract has been extended initially through to the end of the 2014 year, with provision for the NZRU and Mealamu to agree to add another year to the deal, to take him through to the Rugby World Cup in 2015.

Mealamu said the decision to re-sign with New Zealand Rugby was an easy one.

"I love New Zealand - this is my family's home. It's a real honour to play rugby for my country, the Blues and Auckland so I am delighted to carry on playing my rugby here.

"I am also very excited at the prospect of playing for Auckland this week in the ITM Cup match against the Steamers. Auckland has fully supported me throughout my career and I am keen to give something back to my province."

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has welcomed the re-signing saying Mealamu was a huge part of his side both on and off the field.

"Keven has been a massive part of what the All Blacks have achieved in recent years. He has been a valued leader for a number of years now and has a large part to play in the off-field leadership of the team.

"Also, his experience has been invaluable in recent times in mentoring Dane Coles and the other young hookers. Having that experience available to us is hugely positive for the future and having him re-sign will allow that to continue."

Mealamu is the latest in a growing list of current and former All Blacks who have recommitted to New Zealand Rugby for the next few seasons.

The list of players includes: outside back Ben Smith (2017), hooker Dane Coles (2016), captain Richie McCaw and fellow loose forwards Liam Messam, Sam Cane and Steven Luatua, props Ben Franks, Wyatt Crockett and Ben Afeaki, locks Brodie Retallick and Jeremy Thrush, halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow, first five-eighths Daniel Carter and Colin Slade, and outside backs Francis Saili and Charles Piutau (all signed to 2015); the All Blacks most capped prop Tony Woodcock and fellow props Owen Franks and Charlie Faumuina, hookers Hikawera Elliot and Corey Flynn, lock Luke Romano, loose forwards Victor Vito and Matt Todd, halfbacks Piri Weepu, Andy Ellis and Aaron Smith, first five-eighths Aaron Cruden and Beauden Barrett, midfielder Conrad Smith and outside backs Israel Dagg, Cory Jane and Zac Guildford (all through to 2014).