Former All Black Marty Holah has signed a contract extension with the Opsreys © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Marty Holah

Teams: New Zealand | Ospreys | Wales

The Ospreys have received a major boost as they head into a series of Welsh derbies with the news that former All Black open-side Marty Holah has signed a one-year contract extension with the region.

Holah's contract was due to expire at the end of this season, but the extension will see him stay at the Libery Stadium until the end of the 2009-10 season. Holah amassed 36 caps for the All Blacks before heading to West Wales in November 2007, shortly after captaining the Junior All Blacks to victory in the Pacific Nations Cup. Prior to his departure he was a fixture of both the Waikato and Chiefs back-rows.

"When I first signed for the Ospreys, it was the ambition and desire to be the best that attracted me to the region as I wanted to be involved with a team that competed at the highest level," Holah said. "In my first twelve months or so as an Osprey, we've made the knockout stages of the Heineken Cup and won the Anglo-Welsh Cup, and this time around, we're well in contention in all three competitions so it's clear that we're heading in the right direction.

"The culture and environment that is in place here at the Ospreys is geared up for success and I'm really enjoying being a part of it, so the decision to agree to the extra year was an easy one. We've got some big games coming up over the next few months that will really shape our season, and I'm looking forward to helping bring long-term success to the region."

Holah's high work-rate and scavenging skills have made him a vital part of the Ospreys back-row alongside Wales skipper Ryan Jones. His finest hour in an Ospreys shirt was his fractious and abrasive turn against Leicester Tigers in the 2008 Anglo-Welsh Cup final, and his high standards will be a lift to the Ospreys' Heineken Cup and Celtic League ambitions.

"We are delighted that Marty has agreed to take up the option of an additional year, it is excellent news for the Ospreys," said Ospreys forwards coach Jonathan Humphreys. "He is a fantastic professional, on and off the pitch, who would be an asset to any squad. With an abrasive edge and an incredible level of work in the contact area, he is one of the best in the world in his position and we are delighted that he sees his future as an Osprey."