KEY POINTS:
Although the NZRU offered him the same "sweetener" deal to take a sabbatical that they offered star Daniel Carter, All Blacks captain Richie McCaw today shook his head at the suggestion of playing rugby outside New Zealand any time soon.
McCaw's new contract includes a "sabbatical" option, similar to that offered to first five-eighth Daniel Carter which enables Carter to remain under contract to the NZRU while pursuing his short-term playing options in Europe.
However, McCaw said he had no plans to take that option.
"Right now, I'm feeling fresh mentally and my body seems to be handling the rugby okay so I have no plans for a sabbatical," he said.
"I see myself playing here in New Zealand through to the next World Cup, but I appreciate that the sabbatical option is there to discuss with the NZRU in case things change over the next couple of seasons."
McCaw today told a packed press conference that he'll stay in New Zealand until at least the end of the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
He told the gathered media that the black jersey was the "most important thing" to him.
"There's more money available overseas, but personally, it wouldn't bring the same challenge," he said.
McCaw shrugged off the question that he had received a number of offers from overseas. He said he had not been flooded with offers and that they only seem to come once players make it clear they are looking to move.
"I've always been keen to say that I'll stick around," McCaw said.
He said he still enjoys playing rugby for the All Blacks and the Crusaders and he would only move once he stopped enjoying his job.
New Zealand Rugby Union CEO Steve Tew said he was delighted with McCaw's decision and said McCaw was still the best player in his position.
He was also confident about New Zealand rugby heading into the future, despite players such as Carl Hayman, Anton Oliver, Rico Gear, Doug Howlett, Byron Kelleher, Aaron Mauger, Luke McAlister and Greg Rawlinson all heading overseas.
Tew said a number of younger players had put their hands up on the weekend.
He was also questioned on the seemingly small crowd in Wellington on Saturday night.
Tew said the economic environment in New Zealand was making it tough for families and selling anything was increasingly difficult.
McCaw notched up his 60th All Blacks test match at the helm on the weekend when the side beat Ireland in the pouring Wellington rain.
- with NZPA
