Rugby: Showman Retallick stars at new sponsor's official launch

Brodie Retallick faces more than a month off the field because of his shoulder injury. Photo / NZME.

Lock Brodie Retallick might find himself at more All Black sponsor functions - his damaged right shoulder AC joint could sideline him until the Chiefs' return match against the Crusaders on April 17.

Retallick could also be in demand after a star turn at yesterday's announcement of ASB's sponsorship of the All Blacks and All Black Sevens (men's and women's) for the next three years.

"I'm not an ASB customer," he told a large crowd of ASB staff at the unveiling yesterday before cracking up the audience by adding: "But, of course, if Barbara [ASB chief Barbara Chapman] gives me a good interest rate ..."

The sponsorship, casting ASB as the official bank of New Zealand Rugby and the All Blacks, covers the defending world rugby champions as well as the world champion All Black Sevens men's and women's teams. That will give support for the All Blacks in Rugby World Cup year, the sevens' campaign at next year's Rio Olympics and all of 2017 - when the Lions make their first tour of New Zealand in 12 years.

After yesterday's unveiling, 23-year-old Retallick said he faced extended time off after damaging his AC joint against the Crusaders last weekend, and talked of his frustration at suffering his worst injury in rugby after an largely injury-free record.

"I was in Taupo last week and someone asked me what was the longest time I'd spent out of rugby with injury. I said it was only a week; I've never been out of rugby for longer. I've been lucky, I guess, I have never broken a bone or anything.

"Then, three days later, I'm out for four to six weeks. It's frustrating because it gives someone else an opportunity, but it's up to me to come back fitter and stronger and get out there and win my place back.

"I did pop my AC on the All Black end-of-year tour last year against England but that was just a knock and I was just out for that week."

Ironically, Retallick got his original All Black chance when fellow lock Luke Romano was injured - and has never looked back. Last year, he was named New Zealand's player of the year and won the IRB's World Rugby Player of the Year award.

His remarkable "engine" powers one of the highest work rates in the game. His high-octane style and physical clearing out of opposition players at the breakdown make it surprising he has never before been seriously injured in a tight forward career that began in school, where he was so big his teammates had trouble lifting him in the lineouts.

Retallick also welcomed the association with ASB, saying: "I think the environment of the All Blacks is a lot like business. We have a board of directors, executives, coaches, players and a whole army of support people. Everyone knows what their job is - and we all work to a common goal. You can see why sponsors want to be close to that.

"We learn from them too. Sponsors have got a lot better at making their promotions more enjoyable - and I think everyone, not just the players, gets more out of that."