Carter covets All Blacks jersey

Dan Carter at his announcement of re-signing with the NZRU for another four years. Photo / Getty Images

Dan Carter put the All Blacks jersey ahead of lucrative overseas money offers in deciding to re-sign his New Zealand Rugby Union contract for another four years, taking him through to the 2015 World Cup.

Carter, 29, today said he had been weighing up his options for the last six months, sometimes leaning towards going overseas then having second thoughts, but it was his love of playing for the All Blacks that influenced his final decision.

"I guess the underlining factor is the black jersey," the 79-test veteran said at a media conference here.

"It means a lot to me and the more I thought about potentially playing overseas and not being able to represent my country and wear that black jersey was pretty challenging.

"I realise it is not a given to play for the All Blacks and there's a lot of young guys coming through in the next couple of years who will be in their prime so that's a challenge, too, and one I'm looking forward to.

"It's been a pretty tough decision, one I've been chewing over for probably the last six months, but I'm really relieved and really excited about re-signing with New Zealand - it's a pretty special moment."

Options in the contract allow Carter to take a sabbatical, either short or extended, if he wishes and that freedom of choice also swayed his decision.

"Four years is a long time so there's a bit of flexibility in the contract with the sabbatical for which I'm really thankful.

"The (NZRU) union has thought outside the square and come up with some good option, but whether I take it (a sabbatical) is something I haven't thought about too much. But to have it in there is good."

Carter said he was not locked into any club or country should he look to play rugby overseas.

His first sabbatical with French club Perpignan in 2008 asted five games before a ruptured Achilles tendon sidelined him for six months.

"I haven't looked at anything at all like whether I went back to Europe or to Japan or even just took a break.

"I'm really happy playing my rugby here at the moment and I'm looking to continue that for now."

Carter, who has also committed to the Crusaders in the Super 15 until 2015, said he had not rushed his decision, discussing his future plans with his parents, fiancee, various coaches and NZRU chief executive Steve Tew.

"But I've no doubt I've made the right one and it's a huge relief. I've got great security in my life moving forward and I love my time here in New Zealand, there's no better place in the world."

Tew said the NZRU was "tremendously excited at being able to announce that Dan is staying".

"I think in most people's opinion he's the best player currently in his position and he's likely to be one of the greatest All Blacks of our time so to have him stay is a big day for New Zealand rugby, a big day for the All Blacks, and will certainly help us both on and off the field for the next four years."

Tew would not release any financial details of the contract, but said the NZRU could not match the numbers offered by overseas clubs.

- NZPA