29 Aug 2013

Mealamu set to go through to 2015

11:36 am on 29 August 2013

All Blacks hooker Keven Mealamu has inked a new deal with New Zealand Rugby and the Blues which could carry him through to the Rugby World Cup in 2015.

Mealamu's initially extended his contract through to the end of 2014, with provision to add another year to the deal.

Now into his 14th season as a professional rugby player, the Tokoroa-born 34-year-old has so far played 105 tests for the All Blacks and is New Zealand's most-capped Super Rugby player with more than 150 games.

Mealamu joins a growing list of current and former All Blacks who have recommitted for the next few seasons that includes fellow hooker Dane Coles, Richie McCaw, Daniel Carter, Liam Messam, Aaron Smith, Aaron Cruden, Beauden Barrett, Conrad Smith, Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Piri Weepu, Victor Vito, Tony Woodcock, Owen Franks, Charlie Faumuina, Matt Todd, Andy Ellis, Sam Cane, Steven Luatua, Ben Smith, Ben Franks, Wyatt Crockett, Ben Afeaki, Brodie Retallick, Jeremy Thrush, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Colin Slade, Francis Saili, Charles Piutau, Hikawera Elliot, Corey Flynn, Luke Romano and Zac Guildford.

Mealamu's been named to start in a strong Auckland side against Bay of Plenty on Saturday at Eden Park - among plenty of Blues players are former All Black halfback Piri Weepu, fringe All Black fullback Charles Piutau and 2013 All Blacks squad member and No.8 Peter Saili.