NEHE MILNER SKUDDER has committed his future to New Zealand and the Hurricanes by signing a new contract until 2019.
The versatile back took international rugby by storm after being handed his debut against Australia in August 2015, claiming a brace in that Test and another in the World Cup final victory over the Wallabies two months later to take his tally to eight tries in as many All Blacks appearances.
Milner-Skudder dislocated his shoulder playing for Hurricanes last March and missed the rest of the year, but is set to return for the start of the Super Rugby season next month.
And the 26-year-old, who can operate on the wing or at full-back, has given the Super Rugby champions and the All Blacks a boost by agreeing to extend his deal.
Milner-Skudder said: “Being part of the Hurricanes for the past three years has been an awesome experience and though I wasn’t able to play a big part on the field last year, winning the Investec Super Rugby trophy for the first time only reinforced my view that the club is building something special.
“My partner and I really enjoy living in Wellington and with the British and Irish Lions on the horizon, 2017 shapes as a huge year.”
He added: “It’s been an absolute honour to represent my country and wear the All Blacks jersey and the only way to do that again is to stay in New Zealand.
“Hopefully I can play well enough to be considered for selection again, but as always there is some massive competition there, so my whole focus right now is just getting back on the field and trying to put my best foot forward with the Canes.
“Last season wasn’t ideal with my early injury, but if anything it has only made me hungrier to get out there and represent the club.”
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