The latest All Blacks Test centurion, hooker Keven Mealamu, has been recognised by the New Zealand Rugby Union.
33-year-old Mealamu reached the 100-Test milestone in Saturday night's third Bledisloe Test match against Australia at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, joining his captain Richie McCaw and former All Blacks fullback Mils Muliaina, who achieved the rare feat during last year's Rugby World Cup.
NZRU Board Chairman Mike Eagle said: "It is a wonderful accomplishment for any All Black to reach such a significant milestone. To achieve 100 Tests in modern, international rugby is testament to the commitment, skill and professionalism he exemplifies and we are very proud of his achievement and contribution to the game."
NZRU Chief Executive Steve Tew said: "Keven has been an outstanding ambassador for the All Blacks and over the last ten years he has proven himself to be a world-class player. He is one of rugby's true gentlemen and I congratulate him as he joins a small and very special group of players who have served the black jersey so well."
Former All Blacks hooker Sean Fitzpatrick, who played 92 Tests for the All Blacks and held the record as the most capped All Black from 1997 until 2010, was manager of the New Zealand Under-21 rugby team in 2000 in which a young Mealamu played.
"I am thrilled for Keven that he is has played his 100th Test for the All Blacks. He deserves every accolade that comes his way and I have enjoyed watching his game develop since our time together in the NZ U21s."