All Black loose forward Wallace Sititi has re-signed with NZ Rugby and the Chiefs for the next two seasons.
The 22-year-old made his test debut last season and quickly became an automatic selection in the loose forwards, his outstanding form culminating in being named World Rugby's Breakthrough Player of the Year.
Sititi cited a desire to stick with the Chiefs as a main motivator.
"I love playing for the Chiefs. Their style of play suits me," he said in a statement. "There is still a lot of room for me to grow and develop as a player and I think the best place for me to do is here in New Zealand with the Chiefs."
Wallace Sititi. Photo: Aaron Gillions/ActionPress
Outgoing Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan said Sititi was "one of the most dynamic young players in world rugby" and praised his fortitude after coming back ahead of schedule from a serious knee injury suffered on last year's All Black end of season tour.
"He's shown incredible resilience to overcome injury and come back even stronger. The energy, skill, and physicality he brings to every game is infectious. We're stoked to have Wallace locked in and leading the next generation of Chiefs.
"He brings a professionalism that lifts those around him, and he has strong leadership potential. He's a player with a huge future and to have his commitment to the Chiefs gives me confidence in the environment we've built and where we're heading as a club."
New Zealand's Wallace Sititi looks for a gap. Photo: Kerry Marshall / www.photosport.nz
While Sititi not re-signing would have been a major shock, it was still another name in the books for NZ Rugby following news in the last fortnight that Tupou Vaa'i, Sam Darry, Billy Proctor and Pasilio Tosi have all committed as well. This all came after the big announcement at the end of March Damian McKenzie had committed to a four-year contract extension, the longest of any active All Black.
"Wallace has made a great start to his professional career and is showing the promise and talent as a full international as he displayed when representing the New Zealand Under 20s in 2022," said Chris Lendrum, NZR general manager professional rugby and performance.
"To receive the 2024 World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year award was recognition of Wallace's athletic prowess, but also his dedication to constant improvement. We're looking forward to a continuation of his growth over the next two years."
Sititi was expected to be named in the Chiefs side to face Moana Pasifika this Saturday night in Hamilton.
