All Blacks halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow will be a Chiefs player for the next two years after signing a new deal.

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie says the 24-year-old has displayed an amazing work ethic since recovering from the horrific knee injury sustained against South Africa last October which sidelined him for eight months.

Tawera Kerr-Barlow has penned a new two-year deal with the Chiefs. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

'Tawera is incredibly professional,” says Dave. 'His dedication to rehab and developing other parts of his game throughout his time out has been impressive. He is in fantastic condition.

'He is now one of our senior players who contributes greatly in our environment. I know he is hungry to get back to top level footy.”

The former Under-20 international, who made his Test debut against Scotland in 2012, has also signed on with the Waikato Rugby Union for a further two years.

Melbourne-born Kerr Barlow, who attended Hamilton Boys High School, says: 'It is an exciting time to be a rugby player in New Zealand and it is great to have certainty around my future for the next few years.

'I am fortunate to be in two exceptional, world class teams that have phenomenal environments and people, which make it very appealing to continue playing in New Zealand.

'I am proud to be from Hamilton and I love the Chiefs and Waikato, so am rapt to have recommitted until 2017.”

Kerr-Barlow has 56 Chiefs appearances under his belt, after making his debut in 2011, and has also turned out 39 times for Waikato.

'Tawera is a Waikato man through and through and we are delighted to retain his services,” says Waikato head coach Sean Botherway.

'He is a product of our academy system and has been signed to Waikato since he was at high school.

'We are very proud of his achievements in his career to date and look forward to his ongoing contribution to our Union."