KEY POINTS:
Three of the country's top young rugby players have extended their contracts with the New Zealand Rugby Union.
Crusaders first five-eighth Stephen Brett has signed with the NZRU until the end of 2009, while teammate Ben Franks and Chiefs flanker Tanerau Latimer have signed until the end of 2010.
NZRU Professional Rugby Manager Neil Sorensen said their commitment to New Zealand rugby was a great result for their province, franchise and New Zealand's national teams.
"These young players have an important role to play in New Zealand rugby and it is positive and encouraging that they are keen to commit to that future.
"All three have already represented this country with distinction and we look forward to working with them to further develop their talent and potential," Mr Sorensen said.
Brett, 22, was one of the standout players for the Junior All Blacks, Crusaders and Canterbury in 2007.
Comfortable at either first or second five-eighth, Brett ended the season as the leading points-scorer for the Crusaders and Canterbury and played five games for the unbeaten Junior All Blacks.
In December he was named the New Zealand Rugby Players' Association's Players Player of the Year.
23-year-old Franks is one of the country's up-and-coming props and can play on either side of the scrum.
Franks was a key member of the Crusaders front row in 2007, playing in all 14 matches for the franchise. He went on to play for Tasman (on loan) and Canterbury in the Air New Zealand Cup. He is also a former New Zealand age-grade representative.
Latimer, 21, burst onto the international rugby scene in 2004 as a 17-year-old, playing for the New Zealand sevens team.
He played at the IRB Sevens World Cup in Hong Kong in 2005 and won a Sevens gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne in 2006.
He is also an accomplished fifteens player and has represented New Zealand Maori, the Chiefs and Crusaders in the Super 14, and Bay of Plenty in the Air New Zealand Cup.
- NZ HERALD STAFF
