Highlanders hooker Liam Coltman will remain in New Zealand until at least the end of 2019.
The 27-year-old rake has re-signed with New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and the Highlanders for two more years, joining team mate Ben Smith in re-committing to the Dunedin-based team this year.
The Highlanders confirmed Coltman, who made his test debut during the All Blacks' 68-10 win against Italy in Rome last November, opted to extend his time with the team via social media on Tuesday.
"I absolutely love Dunedin, love the place, can't get enough of it," Coltman said in a video posted by the team.
"So I'm sticking around for another two and I can't wait to play for the rest of the year."
Coltman played his 50th game for the Highlanders early last season and debuted against the Chiefs in 2013.
Born and bred in New Plymouth, he has played 64 games for Otago and captained the blue and golds during last year's Mitre 10 Cup.
He was called into the All Blacks as injury cover for Codie Taylor and Nathan Harris for last year's Bledisloe Cup test against the Wallabies in Wellington last September, but had to wait until the 65th minute of the team's end-of-year tour match against Italy to earn his first cap.
With Highlanders co-captain Ash Dixon out with a back injury, Coltman has started all five of the Highlanders' games so far this season.
Their next match is against the winless Melbourne Rebels in Dunedin on Friday night.
Photo: DIANNE MANSON/Getty Images (Liam Coltman, pictured being tackled against in round one against the Chiefs, will play for the Highlanders until at least the end of 2019).