Ainley inks one-year extension with the Highlanders

Highlanders veteran lock Alex Ainley has signed a one-year extension at the Highlanders.

When the 35-year-old signed his first Super Rugby contract with the Highlanders in 2015, his employer at the time, Charlie Taylor, told him he would keep his job open, allowing him to pursue his professional rugby dream.

1 more year with the Landers for Alex Ainley; often tops the tackle stats & is an absolute engine around the field#HighlandersANDyou pic.twitter.com/iCHIZabLKN

— The Highlanders (@Highlanders) July 13, 2017

Ainley has previously played in Italy and Japan and although it remains unlikely at this stage of his career he said he isn't ruling out a move overseas again in the future.

However, for the moment his job is hitting rucks and winning lineouts at the Highlanders.