The All Black halfback Jimmy Cowan has re-signed with the Southland Rugby Union for another 3 years.
The new contract is through until the end of 2012.
Cowan says he really enjoys playing his rugby in New Zealand, and he's looking forward to the next few years with the All Blacks, Southland and the Highlanders.
Cowan, who turns 28 next month, made his All Blacks debut in 2004 and has played 32 Tests since then, including all five Tests on the 2009 end of year Northern Tour to Japan and Europe.
He made his provincial debut in 2000 and his Highlanders debut in 2003 and last weekend played his 68th match for the Super 14 franchise.
Rugby Southland CEO Roger Clark says Cowan's presence in the Rugby Southland set-up has been instrumental in local players committing to the province and in no small way has played a part in the consistently good performances of the Stags in the provincial competition over the past five years.
