Jerome Kaino becomes first All Black to commit beyond Lions tour in 2017
Loose forward has signed new three-year contract with New Zealand Rugby Union
All Black loose forward Jerome Kaino has signed a new three-year contract with New Zealand Rugby (NZR), becoming the first player to commit to the country beyond 2017, the organisation said on Tuesday.
His commitment means almost all players, along with coach Steve Hansen, are locked in until the British & Irish Lions tour New Zealand in 2017.
"This is a huge announcement for us," said NZR chief executive Steve Tew. "Jerome is one of our leading players and the first to re-sign through to 2018.
We are buoyed by the news which demonstrates that the rugby environment we provide here in New Zealand remains stimulating and attractive to our top players
"He joins a core group of key players who have re-signed with New Zealand beyond this year's rugby World Cup.
"While we will see players depart our shores, we are buoyed by the news which demonstrates that the rugby environment we provide here in New Zealand remains stimulating and attractive to our top players."
The 31-year-old Kaino left New Zealand rugby after the successful 2011 World Cup campaign for two seasons in Japan but returned last year to try to force his way back into contention for the All Blacks title defence this year.
He was quickly brought back into the fold and re-established himself in a well-balanced loose-forward trio with captain Richie McCaw and number eight Kieran Read.