New Zealand centre Anton Lienert-Brown has become the latest All Black to recommit his future with New Zealand Rugby, inking a new deal with the governing body, the Chiefs and Waikato through to the end of 2026.
Lienert-Brown, who returned to action from an ankle injury to make his 100th appearance for the Chiefs earlier this month, is delighted to further his career in familiar surroundings.
Keen to improve
“The constant challenge to better myself by competing against elite players was something I thought about a lot when making this decision,” he said. “I feel like I’ve still got something to prove to myself.
“I’m excited by what we are building at the Chiefs Rugby Club and very proud to represent the Waikato region. That, along with the love I have for the black jersey, is what motivates me to keep giving my all in New Zealand.”
Since making his Test debut against the Wallabies in 2016, the 28-year-old from Christchurch has been a reliable performer for New Zealand over the last seven seasons.
He has played in 60 Tests so far which makes him the fourth most-capped midfielder in the team’s history behind Tana Umaga (74), Conrad Smith (94) and Ma’a Nonu (103).
“To have Anton recommit to the All Blacks is fantastic. His experience and contribution is of the highest quality,” said All Blacks head coach Ian Foster.
Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan echoed Foster’s sentiments and praised Lienert-Brown, who has come a long way since making his Super Rugby debut as an 18-year-old against the Bulls in Pretoria in 2014.
Lienert-Brown is a key member of the Chiefs family after recently becoming the 10th player to play 100 games for the Hamilton-based outfit.
“As a recent centurion, Anton’s contribution to the club speaks for itself and we are delighted he has committed for the next three years,” said McMillan.
“Hard working, passionate and competitor accurately describe Anton’s on-field qualities. Off the field he is a great team man who cares deeply about his team-mates, family and our supporters. The generosity of his time is admired by us all.”
Waikato Rugby chief executive Carl Moon welcomed the news that Lienert-Brown had recommitted to the province he first played for in 2014.
‘An exceptional talent’
“We are thrilled to announce that Anton Lienert-Brown has recommitted to Waikato Rugby. He is an exceptional talent on the field and a true leader off the field,” he said.
“Anton’s commitment to our team is a testament to his dedication to rugby and his passion for this province. We look forward to seeing him continue to excel and achieve great success with us, the Gallagher Chiefs and New Zealand Rugby in the years to come.”
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