Jack and McCaw sign with Canterbury

Impressive New Zealand Colts openside flanker Richard McCaw has signed a three-year contract with Canterbury.

Canterbury's outgoing chief executive Steve Tew said yesterday that All Black lock Chris Jack had also signed a one-year contract.

Canterbury are now assured of having their starting loose forward trio of McCaw, Scott Robertson and Reuben Thorne available to the end of 2003.

Robertson signed a two-year renewal this month and Thorne is midway through a four-year contract.

McCaw said he had not really considered any other offers because he was enjoying his Lincoln University studies and his rugby with Canterbury.

"I'm happy where I am at the moment.

"The culture has been one of the strengths of Canterbury rugby.

"There's no hierarchy, everyone is treated as equal and we all have our say."

McCaw, 20, said the year had gone well, with his selection for the New Zealand Colts and the Canterbury NPC side.

"Hopefully if everything goes right for the rest of the year maybe I'll get a Super 12 contract."

McCaw is a near certainty for that. It is possible he may even make the All Black squad to tour Ireland, Scotland and Argentina.

- NZPA