All Blacks newcomer Sevu Reece has extended his contract with New Zealand Rugby to continue a remarkable redemption story following a brush with the law.

Electric winger Reece announced on Thursday he would stay at the Crusaders until the end of 2021, having stunned the champion team with his performances in a rookie Super Rugby campaign.

The 22-year-old has bagged a competition-leading 15 tries while his 39 line breaks are 11 more than any other player, a trend he hopes continues in Saturday’s final against the Jaguares in Christchurch.

The Nadi-born flyer did enough to win selection in the extended All Blacks squad for the Rugby Championship and put himself in contention for a Rugby World Cup berth.

It is just nine months since Reece was discharged without conviction in Hamilton District Court on one count of assault following a drunken incident involving his girlfriend.

A pending contract with Irish team Connacht was ripped up and the winger wondered if he would even play provincial rugby in New Zealand again, let alone get a Super Rugby contract.

Reece said he had no hesitation to stay with a team who had thrown him a lifeline.

“They (the Crusaders) are the reason why I’m here, they gave me this great opportunity to be here,” he told reporters on Thursday.

Reece’s national promotion has sparked a debate in New Zealand because of his history but the selection was defended by All Blacks coach Steve Hansen.

“That’s all been dealt with in court and by the rugby union,” Hansen said.

“We’ve had conversations with Crusaders people who have been managing him, and everybody is giving him a massive tick.

“Whilst you have to take it into consideration, it’s been dealt with, we’ve moved on and he’s playing really good football. I don’t think there is one New Zealander who wouldn’t put him in their team.”