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Wellington - Anton Lienert-Brown and Nathan Harris have extended their
contracts with New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and the Chiefs.
22-year-old centre Lienert-Brown, who played nine Tests last
year in his debut season for the All Blacks, has signed a new deal through to
2020, with 25-year-old hooker Harris re-signing on to 2019.
Lienert-Brown said he was delighted to be recommitting to
his country and Super side.
"I'm hugely excited and grateful for the opportunity to
re-sign with the Chiefs and New Zealand Rugby until 2020. New Zealand Rugby,
Waikato and the Chiefs have played a huge part in developing me into the rugby
player I am today. For that I'm very thankful, and look forward to furthering
my development as a rugby player here in New Zealand."
Harris, who has played four Tests for the All Blacks and 24
games for the Chiefs, made an eagerly-awaited return to rugby last week after a
long injury layoff.
"I'm really excited to continue my journey with the
Chiefs for the next two seasons. I've had the privilege to be a part of this
team for the past four years and in that time I've overcome some significant
injuries and also got to play alongside exceptional players. I'm really looking
forward to being involved with the Chiefs going forward, under Colin Cooper,
and to keep working to be the best person and player I can be," said
Harris.
NZR general manager Rugby Neil Sorensen said: "We're
over the moon that both Anton and Nathan have re-signed with us. They are two players, along with others, that
the future success of New Zealand Rugby will be built on. I've got to know both these guys, initially
through the New Zealand Under 20 side, and it's been great to see them grow as
players and people, and achieve success at the highest level."
Chiefs head coach Dave Rennie said: "The contract
extensions of both Anton and Nathan are great news for our Club. Anton is an
impressive young man on and off the field. He made his debut as an 18 year old
against the Bulls at Pretoria, highlighting his phenomenal work ethic, tackling
and creative pass as strong features of his game.
"Nathan's game time in both the Chiefs and All Black
jersey has been limited due to a couple of major injuries. His athleticism and
skillset suits the modern day hooker's role and we are really proud of the work
Nate continually does in our communities."
