All Black skipper Richie McCaw has finally put pen to paper and signed a deal to stay in New Zealand.
McCaw revealed yesterday that he signed a two-year deal on Friday morning.
His signature ended what has become a protracted saga with negotiations between the All Black captain'srepresentatives and the New Zealand Rugby Union dragging on for close to six months.
A formal announcement is expected some time this week with McCaw stating that despite having signed, there are still a few issues to be ironed out.
According to NZRU chief executive Steve Tew, it is standard practice for players to sign and then for negotiations on issues such as remuneration to continue.
With McCaw preparing for this morning's World Cup quarterfinal clash with France, he was reluctant to say too much about his future.
"I always said I was going to stay," said McCaw who played his 59th test this morning. "It is still subject to things but I'm sure you will be hearing more about this later."
Capturing the All Black captain is a major deal for the NZRU as they have lost several critical players this season. Carl Hayman, Anton Oliver, Chris Jack, Byron Kelleher, Aaron Mauger, Luke McAlister and Doug Howlett are all leaving New Zealand after the World Cup.
But while the NZRU were obviously delighted to have confirmation McCaw is staying, they too were reluctant to sidetrack the captain in such a critical week.
Besides, there was already another diversion to worry about - the confusion about which jerseys both sides would wear this morning.
The International Rugby Board did not make the decision that the All Blacks would wear their alternate grey jersey and France their first choice blue jersey until late on Friday night.
That meant the All Blacks had to have both their black and silver jerseys numbered and embroidered with the players' names and date of the match.
But despite the uncertainty, McCaw said the circus about the jerseys had not affected preparations.
