All Blacks: Weepu extends NZ commitment

Piri Weepu will stay in New Zealand to at least the end of next year. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Experienced All Blacks halfback Piri Weepu has re-signed with the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) and the Hurricanes Super 15 franchise until the end of next year.

Weepu had been a certainty for selection to the All Blacks current Northern Hemisphere tour but he suffered a leg injury playing for Wellington against Taranaki in the national provincial championship the day before the All Blacks squad was announced.

Lower Hutt-born Weepu has played 44 tests for New Zealand and made 79 Super rugby appearances for the Hurricanes.

He debuted for the All Blacks in 2004, the same year he made his debut for the Hurricanes.

NZRU general manager of professional rugby Neil Sorensen welcomed Weepu's re-signing as an important retention of experience and skill at the top level of rugby.

"We're delighted that Piri wants to stay with us in what's going to be an exciting year for New Zealand rugby," he said.

"We certainly saw his skill and talent with the All Blacks and Hurricanes this year and we know that he is keen to get back to the international scene once he recovers from injury."

- NZPA