KEY POINTS:
The New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) today announced it had re-signed a group of 16 Super 14 players.
Sean Maitland, Steven Setephano and Benson Stanley have extended their contracts to 2011 while 12 other players have re-signed with the NZRU to 2010.
The latter group includes Tim Boys, Jacob Ellison, Kurtis Haiu, David Hall, Faifili Levave, Johnny Leota, Serge Lilo, Jason Macdonald, George Pisi, Willie Ripia, Onosa'i Tololima-Auva'a and Fetu'u Vainikolo.
As well, Nick White also re-signed with the NZRU until 2009.
Neil Sorensen, the NZRU's general manager of professional rugby, said the re-signing of the 16 players was noteworthy.
" All these players have played in the Super 14 and are a mix of youth and experience.
"With overseas offers an attractive lure for our players, we don't underestimate how important it is that the guys have all indicated that they want to continue playing rugby here."
- NZPA
