Coltman re-signs

Highlanders hooker Liam Coltman will remain in New Zealand until at least the end of 2019. The 27-year-old rake has resigned with New Zealand Rugby and the Highlanders for two more years, joining team-mate Ben Smith in recommitting to the Dunedin-based team this year. The Highlanders confirmed Coltman, who made his test debut during the All Blacks’ 68-10 win against Italy in Rome last November, opted to extend his time with the team via social media yesterday. Born and bred in New Plymouth, Coltman has played 64 games for Otago and captained the blue and golds during last year’s Mitre 10 Cup.