Sam Cane has signed a contract extension with New Zealand Rugby, agreeing to continue his rugby career in the country for at least another four years until the end of the 2021 season.
Cane's contract will also see him stay with the Bay of Plenty Steamers provincially and the Chiefs for the Super Rugby competition.
The 25-year-old flanker is just the second All Black, alongside Canterbury hooker Codie Taylor, to commit to such a long deal.
"I've grown up supporting all three teams and they're teams that I love, so to re-sign was ultimately an easy decision for me, while the security of a long-term contract is great for me at this point in my career," Cane said.
"Even though I've been in the All Blacks for five years now, there is still heaps more I want to achieve in the black jersey.
The All Blacks flanker hijacked his teammate's answer in the most embarrassing of ways. (Source: Other)
"I'm in a leadership role with the All Blacks and the Chiefs and that's something I enjoy, and I want to contribute any way I can in helping lead and drive both those teams to succeed."
Cane's career took off with a breakout season in 2010 when he debuted for the Chiefs at just 18-years-old - he also earned his first cap for the Steamers later that year.
In 2011, Cane was part of the Junior World Championship-winning NZ U20s side, was the New Zealand Rugby Age Grade Player of the Year and was also nominated for International Age Grade Player award.
Young flanker Sam Cane will captain the All Blacks for the first time. (Source: Other)
He followed up those successes with his All Blacks debut a year later - he's since played 49 Tests in the black jersey as well as captaining the national side twice; the first against Namibia at the 2015 Rugby World Cup and again the following year against Italy.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said the contract was significant for New Zealand rugby.
"On behalf of the All Blacks, I want to congratulate Sammy on his decision. He's grown hugely as a player since he came into the All Blacks five years ago.
"He's part of our leadership group, has captained the side on two occasions and he continues to play to the highest standards whenever he takes the field and never lets the jersey down.
"He's still a young man and knowing that he's staying through to 2021 is fantastic for the long-term growth of the All Blacks and his experience and knowledge will be invaluable to the team in the years to come."
Other All Blacks who have resigned to long-term deals include Samuel Whitelock, Ben Smith and Anton Lienert-Brown who are committed through to 2020.
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