Rejuvenated Weepu to stay in NZ

Staying put: Weepu has extended his contract with New Zealand rugby

All Blacks scrum-half Piri Weepu has extended his New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) contract in a deal that will keep him playing rugby in the country until 2010.

24-year-old Weepu has played 22 Tests for the All Blacks since making his debut against Wales in Cardiff in 2004.

He was dropped from last year's World Cup campaign but was recalled for this year's Tri-Nations after incumbent Andrew Ellis suffered a rib injury against Australia in Sydney.

He has deputised for Jimmy Cowan in the last two matches in which the All Blacks beat Australia in Auckland and South Africa in Cape Town to keep their hopes alive of retaining the title.

NZRU General Manager of Professional Rugby, Neil Sorensen, said Weepu's re-signing was significant for the NZRU.

"Piri is an outstanding rugby player and to have him play in New Zealand is fantastic for us," said Sorensen.

"He has represented New Zealand at the highest level and he has been an influential player for his province and franchise as well.

"We are delighted that rugby will continue to benefit from his talent and experience."

Weepu will continue to turn out for the Hurricanes and the Wellington Lions in the Super 14 and Air New Zealand Cup tournaments respectively.

He made his Super 14 debut for the Hurricanes in 2004 and has played 56 games for the franchise.

At provincial level, Weepu made his debut for Wellington in 2003 and has since played 41 games in the New Zealand capital.

In June, Weepu was one of the leading players for New Zealand Maori in the team's unbeaten and successful IRB Pacific Nations Cup campaign.