All Black star says no to Europe

NEWS: Prop Joe Moody has re-signed with the All Blacks and Crusaders until 2022, New Zealand Rugby said Thursday.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said retaining Moody was “fantastic news” for the world champions, describing the 30-year-old as one of the best looseheads in the game.

“He’s worked incredibly hard on his game over the years and has taken his opportunities when they have come,” Hansen said of the 36-Test front-rower, who was part of New Zealand’s 2015 World Cup triumph.

Crusaders coach Scott Robertson was also thrilled the powerful scrummager was staying with the defending Super Rugby champions.

“Joe is as good as it gets in world rugby, he’s a beast of a front-rower and a world-class athlete in his position,” he said.

Moody missed the start of this year’s international season with a broken thumb but has rejoined for their end-of-year tour, which begins when they play Australia in Japan this weekend.

Agence France-Presse

🔦 SPOTLIGHT | Joe Moody is back! Catch up with the #AllBlacks prop as he chats about his selection in the starting XV for this weekend’s test against Australia. KICK OFF ➡️ Saturday, 7:00pm NZT

FULL TEAM ➡️ https://t.co/2kPgm55xgA#NZLvAUS pic.twitter.com/lpowp5pPYl

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— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) October 25, 2018