Highlanders re-sign Franklin, Emery

Highlanders duo Tom Franklin and Jason Emery have both signed contract extensions with the Super Rugby franchise.

Second-row Franklin has made regular appearances this season after making his debut in 2014, while centre Emery has been a consistent member of the Highlanders squad since 2013.

Both players are understandably delighted to be staying in Dunedin, with head coach Jamie Joseph backing Franklin to "go a long way" in the game.

"When we first encountered Tom we were struck with the passion with which he played the game," Joseph told Stuff.

"The modern lock has a difficult role, but we believe Tom has all the attributes to go a long way in the game. I am excited about his future and what he will bring to our team. A good team man who gets on with the job at hand."

"Over the last few years I have learned a lot and I'm grateful to the Highlanders for providing me with the right environment to improve my game," said Franklin.

"Having a guy like Brad Thorn around over the last few seasons was a great opportunity for me to learn from the very best.

"While there are always opportunities elsewhere it wasn't a particularly hard decision to recommit to the Highlanders. Obviously I want to build on the start I have made, I feel like we have got a good thing going on at the moment; I am pretty keen to be part of it."

Emery said: "I've learnt a lot about the game of rugby and that's due to the coaches and the players.

"There's a good balance in the environment down here between rugby and fun. I love wearing the Highlanders jersey and I'm looking forward to representing them over the next few seasons and improving my game."