Dan Carter
All Blacks fly-half Dan Carter has signed a four-year contract to stay in New Zealand.
The New Zealand Rugby Union had been desperately trying to keep Carter in the country and admitted they were 'flexible' with the player who had been courted by a number of overseas clubs.
The 29-year-old is set to remain with the Crusaders, as well as the All Blacks, until the 2015 World Cup with the contract including an option allowing him a sabbatical.
This could mean Carter playing overseas in the off season or taking a break from the game.
Carter, in the company of NZRU chief executive, Steve Tew, and All Blacks assistant coach, Steve Hansen, confirmed his four-year commitment at a press conference in Christchurch.
He said: 'It's been a pretty tough decision, one which I've been chewing over for probably the last months, and I'm really relieved and really excited about re-signing with New Zealand - it's a pretty special moment.
'I guess the underlining factor is the black jersey. It means a lot to me and the more I thought about potentially playing overseas and not being able to represent my country and wear that black jersey was pretty challenging.'
Carter, the most capped All Blacks first five-eighths with 79 tests, said the 2015 World Cup was a temptation.
'It's the reason for signing such a long contract, but it's not what's driving me. Obviously we've got a big year ahead, but to know I've got that security of four years to another World Cup is good, although a lot can happen along the way.'
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