Blues winger Mark Telea has celebrated his maiden All Blacks call-up by extending his contract with the Super Rugby franchise until the end of 2023.
The 25-year-old will also extend his time with North Harbour, where he made his NPC debut in 2016, before returning to the region, after a stint with Tasman in 2020.
The Massey High School product has been a standout for the Blues, amassing 15 tries in 39 games for the side.
Blues coach Leon MacDonald is delighted to have secured the star winger's signature for another season.
"Mark is one of those players with a very special attacking skillset, which is vital in the modern game," he said.
"He is great in the air, can beat players with his step and has real gas on the outside, but don't be fooled that it is all natural. He is one of the hardest-working players in our squad and everything that comes his way has been hard earned."
Telea joins teammates Stephen Perofeta, Caleb Clarke and Hoskins Sotutu in re-committing to the Blues.
"It is a good environment and a great bunch of boys," said Telea. "We work really hard on the training field, but we are tight and enjoy each other's company off it.
"I am proud to represent the Blues. I'm continuing to learn so much, and as a team, we have a lot more to come and I want to be part of that."
Telea was called into All Blacks camp last week, after Crusaders backs David Havili, Jack Goodhue and Will Jordan were all ruled out with COVID-19.
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