All Blacks Scott Barrett and Codie Taylor have recommitted to New Zealand Rugby, signing on until 2027, which means both players will be available for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Barrett said the disappointment of last year's Rugby World Cup final defeat left unfinished business for him and was a big driver in deciding to stay in New Zealand.
The two year contract extension will allow them both to continue in Super Rugby with the Crusaders and their NPC sides, Taranaki and Canterbury.
The news will be welcome in the Crusaders region given their team's poor performances this season which resulted in a failure to make the playoffs for the first time since 2015.
Barrett, 30, has represented the All Blacks on 69 occasions since his debut against Ireland in 2016 and has 117 caps for the Crusaders and has led his side to four Super Rugby titles.
“Representing my club and country has always been a privilege and to have the opportunity to put my hand up for another World Cup cycle was a big motivation,” said Barrett.
Barrett said he's had conversations with All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson and is open to taking up captaincy after Sam Cane announced he was stepping down from the role.
"We’ve had conversations over the past 5-6 months around the All Blacks environment and areas that are critical going forward, but ultimately the decision sits with him."
The All Black lock has recently been dealing with a back injury and left the field after just 13 minutes in the Crusaders' loss to the Reds in early May.
"I’m certainly not ruling out a non-playing sabbatical but at the moment I've had a lot of time on the sidelines so for me playing is the number one priority."
Taylor recently returned from a six-month break from the sport following the 2023 Rugby World Cup so he could spend time with his family.
The veteran hooker said he ruled out a move overseas during his break as he wanted to shift his focus to being available for the next Rugby World Cup.
“Having the opportunity to play through another World Cup cycle and pull on the jerseys I love for a few more years is awesome. I’m grateful to New Zealand Rugby for allowing me to take a break this year as part of my last contract.”
The 33-year-old hooker has notched 85 Test caps since his debut against Argentina in 2015 and scored 20 tries in a career that includes a Rugby World Cup title in 2015.
Taylor scored two tries in the Crusaders final game of the season against Moana Pasifika but despite the win, they failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2015.
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson said having two of New Zealand’s most experienced senior players was significant for the game.
“Scott (Barrett) is one of the most tactically astute players in the game and holds the respect and mana of his teammates and coaches, and Codie’s dedication to his craft is evident every time he steps on the field.
Crusaders head coach Rob Penney said players in the team look up to Barrett and he embodies the idea of playing for each other.
“To have players like that in our environment, and to be committed to who we are and what we are trying to do, is huge for us.”
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