KEY POINTS:
All Blacks prop Tony Woodcock has re-signed with the New Zealand Rugby Union.
The NZRU said the 26-year-old Blues and North Harbour player had extended his contract until the end of 2009.
Deputy Chief Executive Steve Tew described it as a "very significant" signing.
"Tony is considered by many to be the leading loosehead prop in world rugby at the moment and is obviously a key player for the All Blacks," he said.
"We certainly appreciate his renewed and ongoing commitment to the All Blacks and New Zealand rugby and his desire to continue playing rugby in New Zealand."
Woodcock made his All Blacks debut in 2002 at the age of 21. He has played 27 Tests, including 11 of the All Blacks' 12 Test matches in 2005 and 10 Tests last year.
Tew said some players would move overseas after the Rugby World Cup.
"However, it is worth noting that the large majority of the 2006 All Blacks have committed to play in New Zealand beyond Rugby World Cup 2007," he said.
