John Plumtree has extended his contract with the Hurricanes as assistant coach until at least the end of the 2018 season.

There has been speculation that Plumtree was joining the Highlanders, but this was quashed when the Hurricanes confirmed on Wednesday that the assistant coach would staying on for at least the next two Super Rugby seasons.

‘There has been some speculation about my coaching future over the past week, but my family consider Wellington to be our home and the Hurricanes are a team that is close to my heart,’ Plumtree said. ‘We have a great group of players and coaches at the Hurricanes and I'm glad to have the opportunity to continue working with them over the coming seasons.’

Hurricanes chairman Brian Roche said he was pleased that Plumtree decided to stay on in Wellington and continue his partnership with head coach Chris Boyd, which has been successful for the side in recent years.

'I think last season's results spoke volumes for how effective they are together,' Roche said. ‘We were thrilled when John decided to return home from Ireland with his family to join the Hurricanes in 2015 and we are just as thrilled that he will stay with us for another two years. We see him as an integral part of the Hurricanes’ future and a key part of our succession planning.’

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