Lure of the Lions keep Kiwis true

Umaga and 38 other sign to stay in NZ

The lure of playing against the British and Irish Lions in 2005 has helped the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) to resign most of their top players. More than 30 players - including All Black captain Tana Umaga - will continue to ply their trade in New Zealand next year and beyond.

In an NZRU statement: NZRU Deputy Chief Executive Steve Tew said the re-signing of so many players was fantastic news for New Zealand rugby fans.

"Thirty nine players have recommitted to New Zealand rugby, which we think is a cause for celebration.

"While there is a perception that New Zealand rugby is losing players overseas, the reality is that many of them love playing rugby here and want to stay," he said.

Among the leading players who have recommitted to New Zealand rugby are current All Blacks captain Tana Umaga and fellow 2004 All Blacks Andrew Mehrtens, Richie McCaw, Aaron Mauger, Chris Jack, Carl Hayman and Joe Rokocoko.

"With the British and Irish Lions coming next year, 2005 is going to be one of the most important years for New Zealand rugby and the players want to be part of that," he added.

Tew said an incredible amount of work had been going on behind the scenes in reaching agreement with these players to secure their commitment to New Zealand rugby.

"A total of 29 players who were coming off contract this year have resigned with the NZRU. Another four players whose contracts were due to expire next year have extended their contracts.

"In addition we have also signed up four other players with previous Super 12 experience in Norm Maxwell, Adrian Cashmore, Rua Tipoki and Paul Miller. They all  played in this year's Air New Zealand NPC. We've also got Bruce Reihana and Leon MacDonald returning from overseas next year." he said.

Players, whose contracts were due to expire at the end of 2004 and have re-signed, are: Luke Andrews, Steven Bates, Loki Crichton, Clarke Dermody, Greg Feek, Corey Flynn, David Gibson, Carl Hayman, Chris Jack, Danny Lee, Johnny Leo'o, Filipo Levi, Keith Lowen, Richie McCaw, Deacon Manu, Seilala Mapusua, Aaron Mauger, Andrew Mehrtens, Brad Mika, Anton Oliver, Shannon Paku, Caleb Ralph, Mark Ranby, Joe Rokocoko, Rodney So'oialo, Paul Tito, Tana Umaga, Grant Webb and Darren Witcombe.

Players whose contracts were due to expire next year and have extended their contracts are: Daniel Braid, Jimmy Cowan, Tone Kopelani and Sitiveni Sivivatu.

Tew said it was important to have retained such a number of experienced players in New Zealand rugby.

"It's also heartening for New Zealand rugby to see the return of Reihana and MacDonald. The NZRU is looking to further establish and maintain contact with New Zealand players overseas," he said.

Tew said less than 10 New Zealand players had decided not to stay beyond this year and had indicated that they would be pursuing other playing opportunities overseas.

Those players include Kees Meeuws, Simon Maling, Ryan Nicholas and Brad Thorn. This is in addition to Jason Spice, David Holwell, Nathan Mauger and Tony Brown who left for overseas earlier in the year.

Pacific Island international players Marika Vunibaka, Sireli Bobo and Aisea Tuilevu will also join Rupeni Caucaunibuca and Seru Rabeni playing overseas next year.

"We thank those players for their service and contribution to New Zealand rugby during their careers in New Zealand and wish them all the best.

"We also hope to stay in touch with them while they are away overseas.  We would certainly welcome them back to New Zealand if they choose to return at some time in the future," Tew said.