Rugby: Jack signs with NZRU

Veteran All Blacks lock Chris Jack has re-signed with the New Zealand Rugby Union until 2011.

Jack, who left New Zealand rugby after the failed 2007 World Cup campaign to link with English club Saracens, has given himself a chance to be involved in the next four-yearly tournament in New Zealand.

The 67-test veteran will rejoin the Crusaders from next year and is likely to be aligned with the Tasman union before then, although that is yet to be confirmed and he will not contest this season's Air NZ Cup.

Jack joins five-eighth Luke McAlister in returning to New Zealand from the English game.

Jack's time at Saracens was not entirely happy. He suffered from injury soon after arrival, was often used at blindside flanker and was then shipped out when Saracens' new South African owners decided to introduce new players from the Republic, leading to the resignation of former Wallaby coach Eddie Jones.