Savea & Retalick pledge long-term future to NZ
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Savea & Retalick pledge long-term future to NZ
New Zealand have been handed a major boost ahead of their first internationals of 2015 with Brodie Retallick and Julian Savea re-signing for another four years with the NZRU.
Keeping hold of two of the brightest young talents in the sport is a welcome boost for All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen, along with the Chiefs and Hurricanes.
Retallick was crowned World Rugby Player of the Year at the end of 2014 following a fantastic campaign for his country and also the Chiefs. Injuries have blighted his season so far but the 23-year-old has a big role to play for New Zealand later this year when they will go to England to defend their title at the Rugby World Cup. Hailed for his physicality and impact in the set-piece, it’s also Retallick’s handling and carrying skills which make him stand tall above the rest.
Savea meanwhile has been an all-thrills wrecking ball for the All Blacks and Hurricanes. The 24-year-old currently holds a phenomenal strike rate of 30 tries in 33 Tests for his country since making his debut in 2012, while he’s crossed the line six times for the Hurricanes in Super Rugby far so far this season.
"Brodie and Julian represent a big part of the future for us and we are delighted to have them sign for four more years,” NZRU chief executive Steve Tew said in a press release."
"We know our players have choices, so to have them commit long-term to New Zealand Rugby is very pleasing, and I want to thank them both for their commitment to New Zealand.
