Ben Smith signs All Blacks deal
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}New Zealand back Ben Smith during the captain's run at Eden Park in Auckland on June 7, 2013. He has signed a deal that will keep him with the All Blacks until 2017, the New Zealand Rugby Union said Thursday. (AFP/File)
In-form New Zealand back Ben Smith has signed a deal that will keep him with the All Blacks until 2017, the New Zealand Rugby Union said Thursday.
Smith was one of the standout players in the All Blacks' recent 3-0 series whitewash over France and the NZRU said retaining his services was a major coup.
The versatile 27-year-old plays fullback for his Otago Highlanders Super 15 team but has been used on the wing in his 15 Test appearances. He can also play centre.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"I look forward to playing my part any way I can over the next few years," he said.
New Zealand coach Steve Hansen said he was delighted Smith had agreed to a new contract, which will make him available for the All Blacks' Rugby World Cup defence in England in 2015.
"He is a true professional, is constantly learning and works incredibly hard on developing his game and it has paid dividends," Hansen said.