All Blacks lock and Crusaders skipper, Sam Whitelock has signed a new four‑year deal with New Zealand Rugby.

The two‑time Rugby World Cup champion admits that until recently he was likely to be one of the players to leave New Zealand following this year's World Cup.

The new deal will include a break from New Zealand rugby at the end of this year to take up a short‑term contract with Japanese club Panasonic.

He will miss the 2020 Super Rugby season and return to New Zealand at the end of the Japanese Top 14 season in May 2020.

New Zealand Rugby CEO Steve Tew says that this is a major re‑signing for them and they are absolutely delighted that Whitelock has chosen to sign a four‑year deal.

The Crusaders play the Sharks at 7.35pm Friday.

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