New Zealand Rugby has announced the re-signing of key All Blacks Brodie Retallick and Julian Savea on a four year deal.
The pair has committed to staying in New Zealand until 2019.
All Blacks lock Brodie Retallick Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The 24-year-old Hurricanes winger Savea and the 23-year-old Chiefs lock Retallick, who's also the reigning world player of the year, have both re-signed with their Super Rugby franchises for the same period.
Their contracts do not include sabbatical clauses that would allow them extended breaks to play overseas.
The All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said Retallick and Savea are valuable team members who are world-leading players.
"I'm sure all New Zealand rugby fans will join us in applauding their decision. Even though they are still relatively young, they are now very experienced rugby players."
Retallick has 36 caps for the All Blacks and Savea 33 after they debuted in the same game against Ireland in 2012.
Savea scored three tries in that game and has now scored 30 tries for the national team.
The winger, who was named world junior player of the year in 2010, said the decision to re-sign was an easy one to make.
"There are still a lot of things I want to achieve in New Zealand rugby and I love playing for both the Hurricanes and the All Blacks, love the jerseys, want to continue to grow as a player and help both teams succeed and add to the legacy."
Julian Savea scored a brace as the All Blacks beat the Pumas in Napier Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Retallick said his ambition to play in back-to-back Rugby World Cups was a big motivator to remain in New Zealand.
"I am only young and still have plenty to learn about the game. There is a lot I want to achieve and I firmly believe that New Zealand is the best place for me to grow my game and accomplish my goals."
The chief executive of New Zealand Rugby Steve Tew said Retallick and Save have agreed to terms which will ensure their workloads are managed appropriately, but added that there were no extended breaks to play overseas or long-service leave in the contracts.
"It's an exciting period for rugby in this country and they will be part of some very important events, including the revamped Super Rugby competition from next year, the British and Irish Lions Tour in 2017 and Rugby World Cup 2019."
