Highlanders keep a Smith

The Highlanders ended weeks of media speculation by revealing that Aaron Smith has re-signed with them for two more years.

The All Black scrumhalf will stay on with the Dunedin-based franchise to the end of the 2016 Super Rugby season.

"I love living and playing rugby in Dunedin, it's my home and I couldn't think of a better place to be," Smith said.

"I love the team and can't wait to get back out on the field in front of our home fans in 2015."

Smith has been in outstanding form all year and is considered by many to be one of the best scrumhalves in the world and played an important part in helping the Highlanders get into the play-offs for the first time in 12 years.

Highlanders General Manager Roger Clark admitted the speculation over the past weeks regarding Smith's future was disconcerting.  

"I want to emphasise that Aaron [Smith] has been fully committed to the Highlanders from the beginning of our negotiations and did not considered another Super Rugby team at any stage," Clark said.

"The reason the New Zealand Rugby Union and Highlanders' announcements of Aaron recommitting didn't coincide was due purely to the process the Highlanders needed to go through internally for sign off.

"It is great to be able to officially confirm Aaron will be a Highlander for the two years, we have made great progress as a team this past season and as a senior player Aaron is vital to the continuation of that success."