Joe Moody extends New Zealand, Crusaders contracts until after 2019 World Cup

New Zealand Rugby confirmed on Monday that prop Joe Moody has penned three-year contract extension with All Blacks and Super Rugby side Crusaders.

Moody has been part of the All Blacks set up ever since he made his debut in 2014 and has played 14 Tests till now. He has been the preferred loosehead prop for Steve Hansen in the recently concluded Test series against Wales, which the All Blacks won 3-0.

The 27-year-old made his Super Rugby debut in 2013 for the Canterbury Crusaders and has gone on to represent them 46 times thus far.

Even though he was named in the 31-man 2015 World Cup squad of All Blacks, it was not until the second half of the tournament, he was included in the line-up following an injury to veteran Tony Woodcock.

All Blacks coach Hansen expressed delight over securing the services of Moody and asserted that the Christchurch born prop is a vital cog in New Zealand's plan going forward.

“Joe’s re-signing is great news for the All Blacks and New Zealand Rugby.

“He has developed into a very important member of the All Blacks, he is a very good scrummager and works incredibly hard on his core roles. We look forward to watching how his game develops even further.”

Describing it was an easy decision to be associated with the All Blacks and the Crusaders, Moody hopes to contribute more as a player.

“I am loving my rugby at the moment,” revealed Moody.

“The All Blacks and Crusaders both have fantastic forward packs and I have learnt a lot and progressed my rugby significantly in both environments.

“I want to continue to improve my game and, from a Super Rugby point of view, the Crusaders is the best team for me to do this so re-signing for a team I love was an easy decision.”

Apart from Moody, his All Blacks team-mates Aaron Smith, Julian Savea, Brodie Retallick, Patrick Tuipulotu, Dane Coles and Sonny Bill Williams have all signed a deal with New Zealand rugby until after the 2019 World Cup in Japan.