Loose forward Jerome Kaino has extended his commitment to New Zealand Rugby, the Blues and Auckland Rugby for three more years.
Kaino is the first current All Black to commit through to 2018, and the news is also an extra boost for the Blues following Charlie Faumuina's signing through to the end of 2017.
Kaino, 31, has been a powerhouse loose forward on the international and Super Rugby stage for many years, and played in every game of the All Blacks' victorious 2011 Rugby World Cup.
He then played two seasons in Japan before returning to the Blues in 2014 and regaining his place in the All Blacks.
The 56-Test veteran, who is captaining the Blues this year, says staying close to family and friends was key to re-signing, while he is also excited by the prospects of this year's Rugby World Cup and the Lions Tour in 2017.
"I remain very committed to the Blues. I know our fans are doing it tough, but I believe a lot of good things have been put in place here and we'll see the benefits in the next year or two."
Blues coach Sir John Kirwan said Kaino's re-commitment to the Blues for the next three years was invaluable.
"Jerome brings everything you want in a captain - leadership on the field, leadership off the field. He is also an X factor player. As a team we want to be resilient and relentless, and Jerome is that sort of player."
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew said Kaino's re-signing was a huge bonus for the All Blacks.
"Jerome is one of our leading players, and the first to re-sign through to 2018," he said.
Kaino joins a core group of key players who have re-signed with New Zealand beyond this year's Rugby World Cup.
Kieran Read, Owen Franks, Sam Whitelock, Cory Jane, Israel Dagg, Aaron Cruden, Ben Smith, Steven Luatua and Malakai Fekitoa have signed through to 2017, while Dane Coles, Sonny Bill Williams, Aaron Smith, Beauden Barrett, Luke Romano, TJ Perenara, Dominic Bird and Patrick Tuipulotu have committed until 2016.
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