All Blacks vice-captain Ben Smith has decided to remain at Otago Highlanders and playing for New Zealand, rejecting overtures from French Top 14 clubs.
The All Blacks do not pick overseas-based players, so a move to France would have meant missing this year’s British and Irish Lions tour as well as the 2019 World Cup.
Pau’s Section Paloise were Smith’s most ardent suitors but the French club’s president Bernard Pontneau said on Monday that “for now it’s dead. The call of his country was stronger”.
And the 30-year-old full-back Smith said: “In the end we are happy with our decision to stay in New Zealand.
“It’s been an interesting few months, as we have worked through what was best for my family and career over the next few years.
“I’m pretty excited about a few of the opportunities and challenges we’ll have over the next few seasons.”
Smith was a key part of New Zealand’s 2015 World Cup triumph.
After a quiet start to his international career, Smith has become an All Blacks mainstay and was a key part of New Zealand’s 2015 World Cup triumph.
New Zealand coach Steve Hansen says he is delighted to have retained “the most consistent player in world rugby”.
He said: “It’s a real confidence-booster for us to keep a player of this calibre in our country.
“We now look forward with excitement knowing that our vice-captain is going to be with us through to 2020.”
