Kiwis keep two prized assets

The New Zealand Rugby Union retained two more of their prized assets and rising stars on extended contracts.

In what is a major announcement, 23-year-old Brodie Retallick and 24-year-old Julian Savea, who made their Test debuts alongside each other in 2012, are the first players to re-sign with NZRU and their respective Super Rugby clubs through to the end of the 2019 season.

NZRU Chief Executive Steve Tew hailed the signings as a coup for the team, who face a major talent drain after this year's World Cup as at least 10 players take up big-money offers from overseas clubs.

"It's not news that there's a lot of pressure on our talent and it's ramped up of late," he said.

"We know our players have choices, so to have them commit long-term to the NZRU is very pleasing."

Lock Retallick, 23, is the current World Rugby player of the year, while 24-year-old powerhouse Savea is one of the game's most devastating wingers, scoring 30 tries in his 33 Tests.

Neither Retallick nor Savea have sabbaticals built into their new contracts allowing them to take time out from New Zealand for a stint playing overseas.

Savea admitted he had considered offers from abroad, but the lure of the All Blacks proved stronger.

"There's always temptation, I'm not going to lie, but the black jersey means a lot to me and I want to be in it for as long as I can," he said.

Savea said he had not yet decided if he would skip the 2016 season to play Sevens at the Rio Olympics next year, when the shortened form of the game will make its Olympic Games debut.

"I've got a lot of decisions to make, we're still in the process and hopefully we'll get it all sorted soon," he said.

Savea first made an international impact in the New Zealand Under-20 side (winning Junior Player of the Year in 2010) and All Blacks Sevens before announcing his arrival on the Test stage by scoring three tries in his Test debut against Ireland in 2012.  

The powerful runner has now racked up an incredible 30 tries in 33 Tests as well as 29 tries in more than 60 appearances for the Hurricanes.

Savea said the decision to re-sign was, ultimately, an easy one to make.

"There are still a lot of things I want to achieve in New Zealand rugby 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.

"I love the environment in both teams and the fact that a bunch of Hurricanes boys play for the All Blacks as well just makes it even better.  We just want to play well for the team, for ourselves and for our fans."

Retallick said he wanted to play out his career in his homeland and join the likes of legends Richie McCaw and Dan Carter in earning 100-plus Test caps.

"I'm still young and still enjoying playing for the best team in the world," he said.

"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.  

"I have access to the best coaches in the world, play in teams with great lads and great environments and am really enjoying my footy."

McCaw and Carter are among those set to depart after this year's World Cup, with Carter off to France's Racing Metro and McCaw likely to hang up his boots.

The player exodus includes veterans Ma'a Nonu (Toulon) and Conrad Smith (Pau), who are near the end of their international careers.

But more worryingly for the All Blacks, it also includes talented youngsters Charles Piutau (Ulster), Francis Saili (Munster), Tom Taylor (Bayonne) and Frank Halai (Wasps).

Tew said retaining marquee players such as Retallick and Savea should encourage others to stick with the reigning world champions, rather than pursue lucrative contracts in Europe or Japan.

He likened the signings to the announcement four years ago that McCaw and Carter were staying with the All Blacks until the 2015 World Cup.

"I would put the news in the same category, two of our finest young players with huge futures in from of them," he said.

"I think it's a really important and a very significant announcement for New Zealand.  

"Brodie and Julian represent a big part of the future for us and we are delighted to have them sign for four more years.

"It's an exciting period for rugby in this country and they will now 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 World Cup 2019."

Steve Tew also said that, as with other long-term contracted players, NZRU and the players' representatives had agreed terms which would ensure the players' workloads were managed appropriately, but added that there were no extended breaks to play overseas or long-service leave in the contracts.

All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen described it as "fantastic news" to have both Retallick and Savea re-sign through until 2019.

"I'm sure all New Zealand fans will join us in applauding their decision," Hansen said.  

"Even though they are still relatively young, they are now very experienced rugby players.

"They are also very valuable team members who are both world-leading players."

Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd said: "Julian is a world-class player and we're thrilled to have another local guy remain with the team.

"One of our focuses is to retain our own talent and the fact the Hurricanes and New Zealand have been able to secure his services long term in what is a highly competitive contracting world is great, and also reflects his commitment.

"He's certainly one of our key players, and on the back of a number of other player re-signings, he will continue to be an important part of what is a highly capable back three for the Hurricanes."

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie said: "We are rapt that Brodie has committed to the Chiefs and New Zealand Rugby for the next four years.  He's a top man whose contribution has been world class for us both on and off the field. He sets high standards, is a leader and highly competitive in nature.

"While his set piece play and skill set are impressive it's his work ethic that is phenomenal. He has been the glue for us, a man whose grunt work allows others to shine. It's this attitude that saw him crowned the 2014 World Rugby Player of the Year."

Savea and Retallick join a raft of current All Blacks who have re-signed beyond this year, including Jerome Kaino (2018), Kieran Read, Owen Franks, Sam Whitelock, Cory Jane, Israel Dagg, Aaron Cruden, Ben Smith, Charlie Faumuina, Steven Luatua and Malakai Fekitoa (2017) and Dane Coles, Sonny Bill Williams, Aaron Smith, Beauden Barrett, Luke Romano, TJ Perenara, Dominic Bird and Patrick Tuipulotu (2016).