Rugby:Richie McCaw has signed a new four-year deal which will keen him in New Zealand after this autumn's World Cup. The All Blacks captain has joined Dan Carter in signing a new contract which will prevent both of them taking up lucrative long-term offers to play abroad.
McCaw’s four-year deal will, however, allow him to take a break from the game or for the 30-year-old to take up a short-term overseas contract.
“I’ve always said that as long as I am enjoying playing footy in New Zealand then I will stay,” said McCaw. “I still have the hunger and desire to continue to play for the All Blacks and the (Canterbury) Crusaders, and there are still things I want to achieve as a player.”
The New Zealand Rugby Union were delighted to keep both players out of the clutches of foreign clubs and with Canterbury.
NZRU chief executive Steve Tew said: “He (McCaw) is an inspiration both on and off the field and as our most-capped test captain and All Black, he will provide New Zealand rugby and the All Blacks with a very solid foundation to approach the next four years from 2012.”
United States coach Eddie O’Sullivan, meanwhile, has named five players based in England for the Churchill Cup campaign next month.
Forwards Will Johnson (London Irish), Mike MacDonald (Leeds Carnegie) and Shawn Pittman (London Welsh) are joined by backs Junior Sifa and Tim Usasz who both play for Nottingham.
The USA take on England Saxons at Northampton’s Franklin’s Gardens on June 4th and Tonga at Moseley Road, Esher, four days later and then finals day at Worcester’s Sixways on June 18th.
The USA will aim to finish as high as possible in their pool which will determine whether they play for the cup, bowl or plate on finals days, with Canada, Italy and Russia in the other group.
The USA squad consists of 13 overseas-based players, while seven members of the squad are currently in Britain representing the United States in the HSBC Sevens World Series.
O’Sullivan said “The fact that there are some players resting gives an opportunity to others to make a case for inclusion in the final selection for Rugby Word Cup.”
USA squad
Forwards:Inaki Basauri (L' Aquila), Chris Biller (San Francisco Golden Gate), Todd Clever (Suntory Sungoliath), Pat Danahy (Life University), Eric Fry (Las Vegas Blackjacks), JJ Gagiano (University of Cape Town), Nic Johnson (unattached), Will Johnson (London Irish), Danny LaPrevotte (San Francisco Golden Gate), Scott LaValla (unattached), Mike MacDonald (Leeds Carnegie), Shawn Pittman (London Welsh), Louis Stanfill (Mogliano), Phil Thiel (Life University), John van der Giessen (Utah Warriors).
Backs:Paul Emerick (Life University), Tai Enosa (Belmont Shore), Troy Hall (New York Athletic Club), Colin Hawley (Olympic Club), Nese Malifa (Glendale), Mike Palefau (Utah Warriors), Mike Petri (New York Athletic Club), Mile Pulu (San Francisco Golden Gate), Junior Sifa (Nottingham), Andrew Suniula (Chicago Griffins), Roland Suniula (Boston Rugby), Kevin Swiryn (Agen), Zack Test (unattached), Tim Usasz (Nottingham).
