New Zealand Rugby is enjoying a pivotal week on the player retention front, signing five key players through to the next World Cup and beyond.
Prop Ofa Tu'ungafasi has joined a select group of All Blacks to commit until the end of 2021, while Crusaders pair Scott Barrett (2020) and Ryan Crotty (2019) have also announced they're staying put.
Earlier this week, Highlanders pair Waisake Naholo and Liam Squire signed through to 2019.
Tu'ungafasi joins utility back Damian McKenzie, halfback TJ Perenara, flanker Sam Cane and hooker Codie Taylor as All Blacks who will stick around at least two years beyond next year's World Cup in Japan.
The 26-year-old has been an impact player at Test level so far, having made all 14 of his appearances off the bench.
Barrett, who has played 16 Tests, is regarded as the back-up to world-class locking pair Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick.
Crotty, 29, has emerged in recent seasons as first-choice midfield back, performing at a high level at both inside and outside centre.
