Hawke's Bay Magpies rugby lock Geoff Cridge is one of four players who have re-committed to the Hurricanes for 2018 and beyond.
The two-time New Zealand Under-20 rep and one-time world champion who won the Magpies MVP, best forward and players' player awards last year joins midfielder Matt Proctor and new All Blacks, midfield back Ngani Laumape and lock Vaea Fifita in signing new deals with the Super Rugby champions.
The 22-year-old, 2m tall player is expected to turn out for his Hastings Rugby and Sports club for the first time this winter in the next fortnight after recovering from knee surgery.
Cridge said he was grateful to the Hurricanes coaching staff for showing faith in him after an injury-interrupted 2017 has seen him unable to add to his single Super Rugby appearance.
"It's been tough not being able to contribute on the field, but I've learnt a lot from being in the Hurricanes environment and I can't wait to make an impact in 2018."