Trio re-sign with NZRU

Ellis: World Cup target

Andy Ellis, Brendon Leonard and Stephen Brett have all signed new deals with the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) to take them through to the 2011 World Cup.

"We are delighted to have agreed terms with these three young players. They are incredible rugby talents, key players in their respective Super 14 sides and other teams, and look set to be leading players on the world stage for many years to come."
Neil Sorensen. Quotes of the week

Ellis, 25, made his All Blacks debut in 2006, while his fellow scrum-half Leonard, 23, won his first cap in 2007.

Uncapped stand-off Brett, 23, was understudy to Daniel Carter at the Canterbury Crusaders until Carter left for a sabbatical in France.

"We are delighted to have agreed terms with these three young players," the NZRU's Neil Sorensen said in a statement.

"They are incredible rugby talents, key players in their respective Super 14 sides and other teams, and look set to be leading players on the world stage for many years to come."

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw, Carter, hookers Andrew Hore and Keven Mealamu, centres Ma'a Nonu and Richard Kahui and prop John Afoa have all already committed to the NZRU until after the 2011 tournament - when the global showpiece will be held on New Zealand soil for the second time.