All Blacks quartet retained by Canterbury until 2007

1.15pm

All Blacks quartet Chris Jack, Richie McCaw, Aaron Mauger and Daniel Carter today signed three-year contracts to continue playing rugby for Canterbury until 2007.

The signings were announced by Canterbury Rugby Football Union chief executive Hamish Riach, who said he was delighted to retain the services of such quality players.

"To have all of these guys sign up for three years is fantastic," Riach said.

"They are all huge talents, not just here but on the world rugby stage. They are also hugely popular young men with our fans. It's a real coup to have them here until 2007."

Mauger said his reasons for remaining in Canterbury were to do with feeling good about playing this year's NPC and also feeling settled with family and friends in Christchurch.

"I realise how special the environment is here. I'm a Canterbury boy and couldn't imagine myself playing anywhere else. I have a baby due in a couple of weeks and I guess I'm just really settled here."

McCaw, Jack and Carter echoed those thoughts.

"I enjoy playing with these guys here," McCaw said.

"I couldn't see myself playing against them for another province."

- NZPA