All Blacks halfback re-commits to New Zealand Rugby

All Blacks, Chiefs and Taranaki halfback Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi has re-committed to New Zealand Rugby, signing a two-year deal which will see him extend his stay in New Zealand through to 2021.

The 24-year-old mad his test debut last year against Argentina after impressing at Super Rugby level for the Chiefs, and has gone on to feature in three tests.

Although Tahuriorangi has struggled for game time with the Chiefs this season after falling behind one-test All Black Brad Weber, he remains firmly etched in Steve Hansen’s World Cup plans, and was named in the All Blacks’ ‘foundation day’ camp held in Wellington last month.

Renowned for his top-class passing game, Tahuriorangi is one of many All Blacks in recent times to have extended their stay in New Zealand as fears of a post-World Cup exodus continue to diminish.

Within the halfback ranks, he will remain in the country alongside fellow All Blacks teammates Aaron Smith and TJ Perenara, who have also both signed deals that will see their contracts extended until the end of 2021.

Elsewhere, Nepo Laulala, Scott Barrett, Patrick Tuipulotu, Vaea Fifita, Shannon Frizell, Jack Goodhue (all signed on until 2020), Dane Coles, Nathan Harris, Codie Taylor, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Sam Cane, Ardie Savea, Ngani Laumape, Anton Lienert-Brown, Damian McKenzie (2021), Joe Moody, Liam Coltman, Dalton Papali’i, Richie Mo’unga, Rieko Ioane (2022) and Sam Whitelock (2023) have all secured their post-World Cup futures with NZR.

Tahuriorangi said it was best for both him and his family for him to stay in New Zealand for at least another two years.

“It was an easy decision for me and my partner to make,” he said.

“My whanau are exceptionally important to me and I’m looking forward to having them continue with me on this journey.”

Outgoing All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen said he was excited to see the growth of Tahuriorangi’s gameplay in the coming seasons after a promising debut campaign in 2018.

“Te Toiroa made a really good start in his debut season with the All Blacks, and he now has to continue to develop his game at both Super Rugby and international level,” Hansen said.

“We look forward to watching him and his game grow even further over the next few seasons.”

Chiefs head coach Colin Cooper was similarly hopeful of his halfback’s future performances.

“It is great news to have Te Toiroa re-sign through till 2021,” Cooper said.

“He is part of a great group of young men we have here. We have all seen he is a talented player and we know he will only keep improving in the years to come.

“We look forward to seeing Te Toiroa represent the Chiefs and continue to strive for higher honours.”

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