Key trio stay with Chiefs, All Blacks

Editor

Liam Messam, Sam Cane and Tawera Kerr-Barlow have all re-signed with New Zealand Rugby and their Chiefs franchise until 2015.

All Black trio Liam Messam, Sam Cane and Tawera Kerr-Barlow have all re-signed with New Zealand Rugby and their Chiefs franchise until 2015.

Their deals are a continuing boost for the NZRU with a large group of players now committed through to the World Cup year and beyond.

29-year-old loose forward Messam, who this year co-captained the Chiefs to back to back victories in the Super Rugby competition, revealed his decision to re-sign was easy to make.

“It was the right time and place for my family to stay. I love playing my rugby for the Chiefs as well as the All Blacks and there is no other place I'd want to be right now than here in New Zealand,” he said.

21-year-old Cane was of the same opinion.

“I am a proud Chiefs man and also love wearing the black jersey and playing for my country. The coaching staffs and group of guys I play with in both teams certainly makes the future very exciting,” he said.

23-year-old scrum-half Kerr-Barlow added: “Being part of the All Blacks is a dream come true but I know I have to work hard to maintain my spot, firstly in the Chiefs and to push for further opportunities in the All Blacks.

“I have access to the best coaches in the world and am really enjoying all the environments that the variety of New Zealand rugby offers. I still have a lot to learn and feel this is the best place for me to do that.”