<
>

Joe Moody to remain in New Zealand on long-term deal

All Blacks prop Joe Moody has effectively committed his career to New Zealand rugby after signing a long-term deal.

Moody has agreed to stay put until 2022, matching the length of contract signed last month by winger Rieko Ioane.

The Crusaders front rower will be 34 when his deal expires making it unlikely he'll ever take his powerhouse game to an offshore club.

Moody, who has played 36 Tests since his 2014 debut, is an important figure for the All Blacks after Wyatt Crockett's retirement left a gulf in experience on the loosehead side of the scrum.

Crusaders coach Scott Robertson was delighted his key tight forward will eventually raise a decade of service for the Super Rugby champions.

"Joe is as good as it gets in world rugby, he's a beast of a front-rower and a world class athlete in his position," Robertson said.