Veteran prop Owen Franks signed a deal Thursday to stay with the All Blacks for the 2019 World Cup in Japan.
The 28-year-old said he rejected offers from overseas to help New Zealand defend the trophy and add to his 90-cap Test record.
“Whilst there was considerable interest internationally, I felt I wasn’t ready to give up playing with the best players in the game,” he said in a statement.
“I also believe that I haven’t reached my full potential yet and don’t want to leave until I feel I have.”
Franks made his Test debut in 2009 and has missed only 15 internationals since then, becoming a mainstay in the front row for New Zealand’s 2011 and 2015 World Cup wins.
Under the deal, Franks will also remain with the Canterbury Crusaders Super Rugby club. –Â Agence France-Presse
