The All Blacks and Crusaders prop Wyatt Crockett has re-signed for another three years through until the end of the 2018 season.
Crockett has been a member of the Crusaders front row since 2006 and made his All Blacks debut in 2009.
All Blacks and Crusaders prop Wyatt Crockett. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The 32-year-old was named the New Zealand Super Rugby Player of the Year in 2011 and has established himself as an All Blacks regular since 2013.
Crockett recently became the most capped-Crusader, surpassing Corey Flynn's record of 151 games, and third on the all-time list and his re-signing will give him the chance to become the most capped Super Rugby player ever (currently Keven Mealamu who is on 174 caps).
He played in the New Zealand Under-19 team at the 2002 Junior World Cup, the Under 21 World Cup in Scotland in 2004, the Junior All Blacks teams of 2006 and 2007, and the 36 All Blacks Tests that he has played since 2009.
Crockett says he didn't hesitate in re-signing to stay in New Zealand.
He says Canterbury, the Crusaders and the All Blacks have been his teams since day one, he can't imagine ever pulling on the jersey for any other teams, so he always knew that he would be playing out his rugby career there.
All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen has welcomed the news - the latest in a number of re-signings for New Zealand - and congratulated Crockett on his decision.
Hansen says it's great to have a senior pro like him committing himself to New Zealand.
He says Crocket has been a loyal servant to New Zealand Rugby for many years now and been a great asset and team man not only in the All Blacks but also his Super team."
Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder says Crockett's unfailing commitment to the teams he represents is one of the attributes that makes him such a popular and well-respected player.
