WELLINGTON - Emerging star Malakai Fekitoa has re-signed with the All Blacks through to the end of 2017, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) said Thursday.
New Zealand's All Blacks' centre Malakai Fekitoa is tackled by Argentina's Los Pumas' N8 Leonardo Senatore during a match in La Plata, Argentina, on September 27, 2014
The Tongan-born centre made his New Zealand debut in June last year after impressing for the Otago Highlanders Super 15 club and has earned eight Test caps.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen, who in December also re-signed until the end of 2017, said he was pleased to retain the 22-year-old.
"It's great to see young, talented players like Malakai committing themselves to New Zealand rugby," Hansen said.
"He made an impressive start to his international career last year and we look forward to watching him develop further this year."
The deal ensures Fekitoa's availability for the All Blacks in this year's Rugby World Cup and the 2017 British and Irish Lions tour.
New Zealand Rugby is likely to see an exodus of players after the World Cup, with star fly-half Dan Carter already signed to play in France and skipper Richie McCaw expected to outline his post-tournament plans in the next few weeks.
It means All Blacks chiefs are keen to retain emerging talent to maintain continuity and avoid a slump after the tournament.