Blues and North Harbour captain James Parsons has committed to play his rugby in the New Zealand until 2017.
The 28-year-old, who made his All Black debut as a replacement on the northern tour in December, has today announced he has re-signed with New Zealand Rugby, the Blues and his North Harbour province for a further two years.
Parsons, who can reach his 50th Super Rugby cap this season, said that recommitting to New Zealand Rugby was always his major focus.
“I’ve had a taste of wearing the black jersey and I want to do everything in my power to wear it again,” Parsons said.
“This has been a tough Super Rugby season but I know we have the players and we are building a solid foundation at the Blues for a successful future and I want to play a part in that.
“I am a Harbour-man through-and-through and hope I can help bring through some of the awesome talent that we have to get back to the top of the ITM Cup competition.”
Blues coach Sir James Kirwan said the news was an important one for the Blues.
“There are a core of experienced leaders remaining with the club for the next two to three years who will lay the foundation for success,” Kirwan said.
“James is a key figure in this. He has grown considerably both on and off the field and showed last year that he has the capacity to play the game at the highest level.”
North Harbour are delighted that they will have Parsons to lead their ITM Cup team for two more years at least.
“James is a fantastic player both with his on-field presence as a world class player and off it as a leader,” said North Harbour Rugby Union ITM Cup Head Coach Steve Jackson.
“North Harbour has some outstanding young players in our ITM Cup squad, and James’ leadership will be pivotal in their development as players and as people. We are delighted he will be with us for two more years.”
Parsons, born in Palmerston North, was educated in Auckland, making his ITM Cup debut in 2009 for North Harbour, where he has earned more than 70 caps and captained the team in 2013. He spent time away from rugby gaining his degree in marketing and finance, gaining his Super Rugby debut in 2012 and on Saturday will play his 49th game for the Blues and third as captain.
He played for the Barbarians in Twickenham late last year, and then called into the All Blacks to replace Nathan Harris, coming on as a replacement against Scotland.
Parsons has returned this year bigger and fitter, playing in every game, except his mandatory two games All Black rest.
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