Lock Jason Eaton has become the latest player to recommit to the Hurricanes for 2012, which will be his seventh season with the franchise.

The 29-year-old made his Super Rugby debut against the Blues in 2006 and has now amassed 63 appearances, along with 15 Tests for the All Blacks.

Head coach Mark Hammett said: "Jason is a senior member of the squad with international experience, who is highly motivated to win back an All Black jersey. He is a really strong set-piece player and teams he plays in tend to be very successful in the line-out.

"He had a really good season with Taranaki in the ITM Cup and thoroughly deserved his player of the year award," he added.

Eaton was delighted to be back with the Hurricanes.

"This is the team I want to play for and the city I want to live in, so I'm pleased to be back. I'm really looking forward to playing next year and helping to make the season a successful one for the Hurricanes," he said.

Eaton is the latest player to confirm that he will be playing in the black and yellow jersey next year after the exodus of players such as Andrew Hore, Ma'a Nonu, Piri Weepu and Aaron Cruden from Wellington at the end of the last Super Rugby season.

Former Blues scrumhalf Chris Smylie has also rejoined the ranks, having earned seven caps for the Hurricanes in 2007 before moving on. Other signings include Wellington forward Brad Shields, All Blacks World Cup star Cory Jane and Lions captain Jeremy Thrush who has also comitted for another season.

Contracting the squad for 2012 has been largely focussed on capitalising on the wealth of talent and development work within the Hurricanes region as shown by the signing of promising young players Beauden Barrett and Julian Savea who made their debuts for the franchise this year.