Collins, Luke McAlister, Greg Rawlinson and Greg Somerville are key recent signings on a list of more than 70 players who will continue to play their rugby in New Zealand next year and beyond.

The New Zealand Rugby Union on Friday released the names of the Super 14 players who have re-signed with the national body.

NZRU Deputy Chief Executive Steve Tew said 75 players had re-signed in 2006 - a "significant and very pleasing number".

"That is 22 more than we re-signed last year and is a fantastic result. It's worth noting that we have also retained a large number of experienced players, which is very important for New Zealand rugby," said Tew.

"The NZRU, our Provincial Unions and Franchises, and the New Zealand Rugby Players' Association, have been working hard to make New Zealand the best place in the world to play rugby. The benefits agreed to in the new Collective Agreement, particularly the guaranteed retainers for players, have assisted that effort.

"By recommitting to New Zealand, many of our players believe they still have a lot to offer New Zealand rugby and enjoy the game and lifestyle here."

Collins, McAlister, Rawlinson and Somerville are the latest of the 2006 All Blacks re-signings to be announced.

Prop Somerville, who is currently recovering from an Achilles injury, is the most experienced Test player of the group with 55 Tests. Back row star Collins has played 35 Tests since making his debut against Argentina in 2001.

Inside back McAlister - who was linked with an overseas move earlier this year because of limited opportunities in the black shirt - has played 10 Tests since his debut in the third Test against the British & Irish Lions last year. South African-born second row Rawlinson became an All Black against Ireland in June this year and featured in three Tests - including one against SA, in Pretoria.

Tew said it was also very pleasing to note that considerably more than half of the 2006 All Blacks had committed to play in New Zealand beyond Rugby World Cup 2007. He added that the NZRU had initiated discussions on new contracts beyond 2007 with a number of other top players and planned to further those discussions with those players and others following the All Blacks' European Tour.

Meanwhile, Tew also paid tribute to those Super 14 players who had decided to take up opportunities overseas.

"We wish them the best of luck overseas and hope to see them back involved in New Zealand rugby in the future," he said.

The full list of players re-contracted in 2006 to date is below. The terms of the contracts are confidential.

SUPER 14 PLAYERS RE-CONTRACTED TO NZRU FOR 2007 OR BEYOND:
John Afoa, Luke Andrews, Sosene Anesi, Ben Atiga, Josh Blackie, Anthony Boric, Tim Boys, Stephen Brett, Callum Bruce, Craig Clarke, Jerry Collins, Justin Collins, Wyatt Crockett, Stephen Donald, Tom Donnelly, Jason Eaton, Andrew Ellis, Tamati Ellison, Nick Evans, Lome Fa'atau, Ben Franks, Hosea Gear, Jono Gibbes, David Gibson, Kurtis Haiu, David Holwell, Andrew Hore, Richard Kahui, Roy Kinikinilau, Tony Koonwaiyou, Tone Kopelani, Tanerau Latimer, Filipo Levi, Serge Lilo, Luke McAlister, Hoani MacDonald, Jason MacDonald, Leon MacDonald, Luke Mahoney, Lelia Masaga, Chris Masoe, Keven Mealamu, Mils Muliaina, Isa Nacewa, Craig Newby, Shannon Paku, George Pisi, Greg Rawlinson, Matt Saunders, John Schwalger, Ben Smith, Conrad Smith, Chris Smylie, Greg Somerville, Rodney So'oialo, Anthony Tahana, Paul Tito, Isaia Toeava, Onosa'i Tololima-Auva'a, Hale T-Pole, Tane Tu'ipulotu, Anthony Tuitavake, Thomas Waldrom, Viliame Waqaseduadua, Piri Weepu, Nathan White, Nick White, Paul Williams, Steven Yates.

PAST SUPER 14 PLAYERS WHO HAVE RE-SIGNED WITH THE NZRU:
Glen Horton, Scott Linklater, Nathan Mauger, Keith Robinson, Mahonri Schwalger, Rudi Wulf.

SUPER 14 PLAYERS WHO HAVE LEFT, OR LEAVING, TO PLAY OVERSEAS:
Ben Blair, Neil Brew, Loki Crichton, Vilimoni Delasau, David Hill, Sean Hohneck, Aleki Lutui, Cameron McIntyre, Lifeimi Mafi, Deacon Manu, Seilala Mapusua, Mike Noble, Mark Ranby.