Four more All Blacks re-sign with NZRU

2006 All Blacks Jerry Collins, Luke McAlister, Greg Rawlinson and Greg Somerville are the latest signings on a list of more than 70 players who will continue to play their rugby in New Zealand next year and beyond.

The New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) today released the names of the Super 14 players who have re-signed with the national body.

NZRU deputy chief executive Steve Tew said 75 players had re-signed in 2006 – a "significant and very pleasing number."

Somerville, who is currently recovering from an Achilles injury, is the most experienced test player of the group with 55 tests. Collins has played 35 tests since making his debut against Argentina in 2001.

McAlister has played 10 tests since his debut in the third test against the British & Irish Lions last year. Rawlinson became an All Black against Ireland in June this year and featured in three tests.

The full list of players re-contracted for 2007:

John Afoa, Luke Andrews, Sosene Anesi, Ben Atiga, Josh Blackie, Anthony Boric, Tim Boys, Stephen Brett, Callum Bruce, Craig Clarke, Jerry Collins, Justin Collins, Wyatt Crockett, Stephen Donald, Tom Donnelly, Jason Eaton, Andrew Ellis, Tamati Ellison, Nick Evans, Lome Fa'atau, Ben Franks, Hosea Gear, Jono Gibbes, David Gibson, Kurtis Haiu, David Holwell, Andrew Hore, Richard Kahui, Roy Kinikinilau, Tony Koonwaiyou, Tone Kopelani, Tanerau Latimer, Filipo Levi, Serge Lilo, Luke McAlister, Hoani MacDonald, Jason MacDonald, Leon MacDonald, Luke Mahoney, Lelia Masaga, Chris Masoe, Keven Mealamu, Mils Muliaina, Isa Nacewa, Craig Newby, Shannon Paku, George Pisi, Greg Rawlinson, Matt Saunders, John Schwalger, Ben Smith, Conrad Smith, Chris Smylie, Greg Somerville, Rodney So'oialo, Anthony Tahana, Paul Tito, Isaia Toeava, Onosa'i Tololima-Auva'a, Hale T-Pole, Tane Tu'ipulotu, Anthony Tuitavake, Thomas Waldrom, Viliame Waqaseduadua, Piri Weepu, Nathan White, Nick White, Paul Williams, Steven Yates.

Past Super 14 players who have re-signed with the NZRU include Glen Horton, Scott Linklater, Nathan Mauger, Keith Robinson, Mahonri Schwalger and Rudi Wulf.