All Black scrumhalf Justin Marshall has pledged his future to Canterbury for a further three years.
Marshall (pictured) has signed until the end of the 2003 season, as has Crusaders and New Zealand A prop David Hewett.
Canterbury Rugby Football Union chief executive Steve Tew, in announcing the new contracts on Monday, said Marshall's re-signing was consistent with his New Zealand Rugby Football Union (NZRFU) contract.
"We're delighted he has reconfirmed his commitment to Canterbury rugby. Justin has played a significant part in the success of the Crusaders and Canterbury sides in 2000," Tew said.
Hewett, a late developer, had an excellent season for the Crusaders and for Canterbury and that was recognised with his selection in the New Zealand A team who toured Europe last month. He made his Canterbury debut in 1998 and has played 22 times for his province and 11 times for the Crusaders.
"He is an important asset for us and we're thrilled to have his commitment," Tew said. "We've still got a couple more younger players to tie up, but we feel we're in pretty good nick now."
All Black lock Norm Maxwell is still negotiating his NZRFU contract and Tew said Canterbury would wait until Maxwell was ready before continuing their discussions. Wellington are believed to have been seeking his services. "But we've named him for the Super 12 and he was not on the transfer market. We're confident Normie's on board for 2001 and we'll work through the details to suit his timetable," Tew said.
Canterbury and New Zealand A lock Chris Jack has signed for one year, as has Crusaders hooker Matt Sexton and young Christchurch club locks Pete Bowden and Matt Mustchin.
Meanwhile, New Zealand Universities flyhalf Derek Maisey is expected to be lost to Canterbury rugby. Maisey acquitted himself well substituting for All Black Andrew Mehrtens at the start of Canterbury's NPC campaign last season, but his progress has been stalled by the presence of Mehrtens and Aaron Mauger and he missed out on a Super 12 contract. He is understood to be in discussions with a Japanese company.