ALL BLACK FULLBACK Ben Smith has passed on a host of European possibilities and committed to his native province the Highlanders until beyond the next World Cup.
The 30-year-old, who has also proven to be adept in the centre, has signed a new three-year contract with the 2015 Super Rugby champions despite reports late last year linking him with Munster and then Pau.
“It’s been an interesting few months as we have worked through what was best for my family and career over the next few years, in the end we are happy with our decision to say in NZ,” the Dunedin man said after today’s announcement.
“Obviously the Highlanders, All Blacks and Otago are teams that I really enjoy playing for and I’m pretty excited about a few of the opportunities and challenges we’ll have over the next few seasons.”
Head coach Tony Brown meanwhile, praised the 60-cap All Black as ‘an outstanding Highlander man’ while also casually slipping his nickname into the official club statement.
“It’s fantastic news that Bender has decided to stay. I know these decisions are never easy, but now that it’s done, we are looking forward to having him back leading the side again.