Ryan Crotty extends stay with Crusaders

New Zealand Rugby have confirmed that All Blacks international Ryan Crotty has penned a new deal with the Super Rugby club Crusaders.

The 28-year-old joined Crusaders in 2009 and has been an integral part of the side since then. He also led the team numerous times during the 2014 season when Kieran Read was sidelined with injury.

Crotty, who signed a one-year deal with Crusaders has featured for All Blacks 27 times after making his debut in August 2013.

The 5ft 11in centre said he will assess his career at the end of the next year.

"I like to take things one year at a time and when I thought about where I could picture myself in 2018, I just didn't feel like my time here in New Zealand was up yet," Crotty said in a New Zealand Rugby news release.

"I still get a thrill each time I pull on the black or red and black jerseys and ... I genuinely think I have my best rugby in me yet."

Crotty, who was suffering from a rib injury was forced into the first Test against the British and Irish Lions before another hamstring injury ruled him out of the remaining two games of the series.