Wellington Phoenix captain Alex Rufer will remain with the club until at least the end of the 2027/28 Isuzu UTE A-League season after signing a new two-year contract extension.
The All Whites midfielder had previously been linked with a move away from the club but has now committed his future to the club he joined as a teenager in 2013.
Rufer, who has captained the Phoenix for the past five seasons, is the fourth-most capped player in club history with 189 A-League appearances and will now line up for season number 14 in Wellington colours.
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The 30-year-old was named the club’s joint Men’s Player of the Season at the Phoenix’s annual awards night in April, while also claiming the Players’ Player award.
“Wellington is definitely the best place for me and my family at the moment,” Rufer said.
“I’ve been here for a very long time so there’s a lot of feeling and emotion that I have for this club.
“Now being a father and having a young family being at home was very, very important for us. Being comfortable and being happy off the field was a big reason why this all works.
“And I’m really excited and looking forward to the next couple of years under Greeny.
“We’ve had some good conversations about the club moving forward and how he wants to play, and I feel like it’s my first season again. That’s exciting and I can’t wait to get started.”
WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND – FEBRUARY 26: Alex Rufer looks on during a Wellington Phoenix A-League training session at NZCIS on February 26, 2026 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)
The Phoenix skipper is determined to help steer the club back towards the upper reaches of the competition after a difficult past two seasons.
“The most important people at this club are the fans and we need to give them something to look forward to every week.
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“We’ll be doing our best to make sure every week they see an enjoyable brand of football and a team that is willing to die for each other out on the field.
“Our fans can expect a very well organised team that is going to make Hnry Stadium an absolutely horrible place to visit.
“The best teams we’ve had here at the Phoenix have always made Hnry Stadium a horrible place to come and that’s something we have to bring back.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – JUNE 25: Alex Rufer #14 of New Zealand during the training session one day ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match between New Zealand and Belgium at Killarney Park Vancouver on June 25, 2026 in Vancouver, British Columbia. (Photo by Elizabeth Ruiz Ruiz/Getty Images)
“I’m really looking forward to connecting with all the fans and everyone at the club to make sure we’re all pulling in the right direction to make that happen.”
Phoenix head coach Chris Greenacre was thrilled to secure the experienced midfielder’s signature.
“Alex is a massive part of this football club,” Greenacre said. “And statistically he’s been amongst the best midfielders in the A-League for the past few seasons.
“He’s so comfortable on the ball, he’s got great energy to get around the pitch and his fitness levels leading into the World Cup were some of the highest numbers he’s ever produced.
“I had a number of conversations with Alex and really put my heart on the line because I really wanted him to be part of this new era for the Phoenix.
“He, like me, understands where this club needs to get back to. He knows what the Phoenix means to the fans and people that have been around the club for a long time.
“So I’m really, really happy that he’s extended his contract.”
Rufer is the 17th player contracted to Wellington’s men’s squad for the 2026/27 Isuzu UTE A-League season. He rejoined the club for training on Monday after enjoying a break following the All Whites’ FIFA World Cup campaign.
