Sivivatu re-signs for All Blacks
All Blacks winger Sitiveni Sivivatu has re-signed with the New Zealand Rugby Union through to the 2011 World Cup.
The retention of the Chiefs and Waikato winger, who is recovering from an injured shoulder, is a welcome boost after a mass exodus of stars last year to Europe and Japan.
"I discussed my future with my family and we decided that our future is here in New Zealand," said Sivivatu, 27, who has scored 24 tries in 34 Tests for the All Blacks.
"I love playing in the black jersey and the Chiefs and Waikato - and that's why I have re-signed."
He scored four tries on his debut against Fiji in 2005 and followed that with a hat-trick against Wales on the end of year tour in 2006. He has scored doubles on five occasions.
Sivivatu joins 2008-2009 All Blacks Richie McCaw, Rodney So'oialo, Keven Mealamu, Mils Muliaina, Ali Williams, Tony Woodcock, Dan Carter, Ma'a Nonu, Brad Thorn, Andrew Hore, Neemia Tialata, John Afoa, Andy Ellis, Richard Kahui, Brendon Leonard, Jamie Mackintosh, Rudi Wulf and Liam Messam in signing with New Zealand rugby through to 2011 or beyond.
"Rugby fans in New Zealand and overseas know just how much of a remarkable player Sitiveni is and we are delighted to have him re-sign with New Zealand rugby," NZRU chief executive Steve Tew said.
"We are very pleased with the number of players that we have contracted through for the next few years," Tew said.
"We have always said that, while we can't compete with the dollars which are available to some players overseas, we have a great rugby environment here in New Zealand which gives our players the chance to express themselves."
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