Oliver to remain a Highlander

Anton Oliver will fulfil his two year rugby contract with Otago and the Highlanders, whether he continues to be part of the All Blacks or not.

Oliver, 30, a veteran of 45 tests for the All Blacks since 1996, has signed with the New Zealand Rugby Union until after the World Cup in France in 2007.

"I'd be very happy to stay with the All Blacks for that time, but if not I would still like to play for Otago and the Highlanders to give something back to Otago rugby," Oliver said yesterday.

Oliver promoted his book "Anton Oliver-Inside" by Brian Turner in Dunedin and Balclutha yesterday.

Oliver's All Blacks career was resurrected by Graham Henry last year and his contribution to the team is valued by the coach. He played in the Welsh and Scottish tests on the recent Grand Slam tour.

Oliver followed in the footsteps of his father, Frank Oliver, when the All Blacks beat Scotland to win all tests on the Grand Slam tour.

It was only the second time in over 100 years of test rugby that the All Blacks had beaten all the Home Countries on tour.

It was a special time for Oliver when he sat in the dressing room at Murrayfield after the win.

"Winning that game made the Grand Slam a reality," Oliver said.

"The tour was completed. Everything was done and all the boxes ticked. It was a nice moment."

Oliver has been plagued by injuries over the last few years and his frustrations continued on tour when he missed the English test because of a bruised calf muscle.

"It was right by Thursday, but it was too late," Oliver said.

He has had more than his share of disappointments during his career and learnt to become stoic about his bad luck.

"I've probably got a good survival technique and can bounce back," he said.

"I have a positive outlook on life and try to keep looking forward and remaining positive. I have learnt lessons from my darker moments."

Oliver visited Amsterdam and Barcelona after the All Blacks tour and only returned to New Zealand on Tuesday.

His book tour started in Auckland on Wednesday and will last 10 days.

Like fellow All Blacks he has been given most of January off and will return to the Highlanders late that month.

- NZPA