All Blacks and Blues hooker Keven Mealamu signs a new deal with NZRU
All blacks’ hooker has renewed his contract with New Zealand Rugby union for another two years.
He announced this morning at Eden Park that he will stay with Blues and NZRU until 2013. Mealamu has played more than 100 matches for Auckland Blues and he is also the skipper of the side. The team management has warmly welcomed the decision of their veteran
player.
The 32-year-old hooker has participated in 83 tests for his national side, All Blacks and he is also fourth highest test caps owner for New Zealand. He is just behind their current skipper Richie McCaw, Mils Muliaina and former captain and hooker of All
Blacks Fitzpatrick who have played more that 90 tests. Mealamu achieved the milestone of playing 100th match of Super Rugby during the last season and became first ever player for the Blues to do so.
Mealamu told the reporters that he has taken the decision after consulting with his family in the best interests of the national side. He further said that he was very happy to play in the coming world championship starting later this year in September.
He said, “Loyalty is something I believe in and I have always hoped I could repay the support I have been given by showing my continued loyalty to New Zealand.”
The NZRU has appreciated the new contract of Mealamu and declared that it was the most exciting deal of the year. The chief executive of the New Zealand Rugby Union Steve Tew was happy with his latest move. He said that many great players of All Blacks team
have resigned their contracts this year that is quite encouraging for the New Zealand rugby as world cup is round the corner.
As many as five players have recommitted to NZRU this year including Tony Woodcock, Kieran Read, Jerome Kaino, Conrad Smith and Jimmy Cowan before Mealamu.
All Blacks coach Graham Henry was jubilant to hear the news and praised the star. Henry said that he is a great player and is going to help New Zealand in the coming world cup with his fiery style.
He added, “It's a very significant signing. Keven is a world-class player. He's a leader in the All Blacks and is highly respected by his peers. He is a marvellous rugby player who is a great role model for the game, and a great role model for other rugby
players and young people in this country.”
Pat Lam the Auckland’s coach, who was present at the time of his announcement paid a rich tribute to the hooker.
He said, “For us at the Blues and also Auckland Rugby this is a tremendous occasion. It's no secret about my admiration of Keven as the captain and the leader of this franchise.”
Keven Mealamu thanked his family and union for supporting him to take brave step.
Tags: