Aaron Smith has signed a four-year contract extension with New Zealand Rugby that will take him through to the 2019 World Cup.

The 26-year-old scrumhalf has played 41 Tests since making his debut against Ireland in June 2012.

'With the signing of Aaron, together with Brodie [Retallick], Julian [Savea] and Dane [Coles], we now have a core group of key players committed long-term to the All Blacks and their Super Rugby teams, which is fantastic,' said New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew.

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