Wednesday 9 May 2018 10:04, UK
All Blacks trio Ryan Crotty, Scott Barrett and Ofa Tuungafasi have signed contract extensions with New Zealand Rugby.
Centre Crotty has signed a one-year extension which keeps him with the Crusaders until after the 2019 World Cup.
Second row Barrett has signed a new two-year deal with the Crusaders which runs until 2020.
Prop Tuungafasi signed a three-year contract deal which will keep him at the Blues until 2021.
All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen said: "Scotty has come on leaps and bounds in recent seasons. He's a superb athlete for a relatively young player and has been working really hard to develop the skill set and size to compete at the highest level. We look forward to watching him grow even more over the next few seasons.
"We also welcome Crotts' re-signing. He's an outstanding footballer, is a key member in our backline and provides a cool, calm head, especially in high-pressure situations.
"It's fantastic news for the All Blacks and the Blues that Ofa has re-signed. He has worked incredibly hard on his game over the last couple of years alongside Cronno (All Blacks forwards coach Mike Cron), has absorbed all the learnings and is always looking to improve. He brings a real physicality to his role, is a real team man - and is a big man with a big heart."
Crotty, 29, has made 35 appearances for New Zealand since making his debut against Australia in 2013, scoring nine tries.
Barrett, 24, made his All Blacks debut during their 2016 defeat to Ireland in Chicago and has since racked up 10 caps. His two brothers, Beauden and Jordie, also play for the All Blacks but with the Hurricanes in Super Rugby rather than the Crusaders.
Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson is thrilled Crotty and Barrett have signed extensions.
Robertson said: "These are two fantastic signings for us. Ryan is one of the great Crusaders, and is an important leader in our side.
"He's one of our vice-captains and provides a crucial voice in our midfield that his team-mates really respond to. He's a professional in every sense of the word, is composed under pressure and consistent in his performances.
"Likewise, Scott is a key signing and we are thrilled to have him commit through to 2020. He's still only a young man, but already has great experience to his name and an incredible work ethic.
"Scott is a lock of international quality and a champion bloke - he's rugged with ball in hand, athletic around the park and is a massive contributor to our side's culture."
Tuungafasi, 26, who made his Super Rugby debut in 2013 and All Blacks Test debut in 2016, said he had no hesitation in remaining with New Zealand Rugby and the Blues.
"My family and I are Aucklanders. We are proud to be part of the Blues and I'm so pleased to re-sign for the Blues for another three years," said Tuungafasi.
"There's no other club I want to be at. I want to achieve 100 games for the Blues and join that special group, and I want to be a big part of a Blues team that wins a Super Championship.
"I've been honoured to wear the All Black jersey and represent my country and that's something I cherish and want to have the opportunity to do in the coming years."
