Lienert-brown shuns Crusaders

The Crusaders came calling, but All Blacks midfielder Anton Lienertbrown is sticking with the Chiefs, signing a new deal with the Super Rugby franchise, and New Zealand Rugby, through to the end of 2020.

The Chiefs announced dual signings yesterday, with fellow All Black, hooker Nathan Harris, also remaining put till 2019.

Neither of the pair were the sort of candidates to head offshore, both still not long into their careers, and both still very much in the frame to wear the black jersey, but, for Lienert-brown at least, there was the possibility of moving back home to Christchurch.

Crusaders coach Scott Robertson sounded out the 22-year-old, but in the end Lienert-brown said it was a pretty straightforward decision to stay with the team which gave him his opportunity.

‘‘I’m a Christchurch man, and I know Razor [Robertson] well, and he did ask the question,’’ said Lienertbrown, who has brother Daniel playing at the Highlanders.

‘‘The Chiefs and Waikato have done a lot for me, and it was an easy decision in the end.’’

Ironically, Lienert-brown will this weekend be going toe-to-toe with those Crusaders, and with his red and black links it’s a contest he does love.

‘‘All my mates give me stick, and they’re still Crusaders supporters, so whenever I can get one up over them it’s great,’’ he said.

Harris is looking forward to just logging some game-time after making a return from a serious knee injury in the Chiefs’ outing before the bye, against the Reds in New Plymouth.

‘‘This is where I started at the Chiefs, and they’re my family, so for me it’s just staying here and staying loyal,’’ he said.