Tributes were flowing for Keven Mealamu at Eden Park this morning when he announced he was re signing with the NZRU for two more years.

The 32 year old Blues captain followed Liam Messam, who last week announced he was staying in New Zealand after the World Cup, but there was much more of a fanfare for Mealamu’s re signing with the announcement made in front of a huge media contingent with Graham Henry and Pat Lam in attendance.

Henry says the new deal for Mealamu was a significant signing.

Blues coach Pat Lam says he was pleased to be able to keep a player of Mealamu’s stature and ability at the franchise.

The Blues on Friday will take on the Rebels at 7.35pm.