All Black Moody re-signs
Joe Moody has committed his future to playing in New Zealand through to 2022.
The 30-year-old All Blacks and Crusaders loosehead prop has signed a new deal with New Zealand Rugby, which is likely to take him through to the time he hangs up his boots.
Moody was contracted until after next year’s Rugby World Cup, but has agreed to an extension that will keep in him on contention for the All Blacks and recommits his long-term future with the Crusaders.
Moody has played
36 tests and scored three tries since making his test debut in
2014. He is with the All Blacks in Japan for the test against the Wallabies and will then head to Europe for the remaining tests of the tour.
Moody has made 67 appearances for the Crusaders, including starts in both the 2017 and 2018 Super Rugby finals and has won two Super titles, and scored two tries.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said it was great for New Zealand rugby to keep hold of an experienced player like Moody.
‘‘This is fantastic news for New Zealand Rugby, the All Blacks and Crusaders,’’ Hansen said. ‘‘’Moods’ is one of the best loosehead props in the world, he’s worked incredibly hard on his game over the years and has taken his opportunities when they have come.’’
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson was equally delighted at retaining Moody, who started his Super Rugby career with the Blues.
‘‘Joe is as good as it gets in world rugby,’’ Robertson said.
‘‘He’s a beast of a front-rower and a world class athlete in his position.
‘‘He’s also a local Christchurch lad, who’s extremely proud of his club out at Lincoln and loyal to the teams he represents.’’ Robertson said.
Moody made his provincial debut for Canterbury in 2011. He was called into the All Blacks during the 2014 Rugby Championship and represented the Maori All Blacks in 2015.
Despite being named in the All Blacks squad during the same year, Moody didn’t play a test until the Rugby World Cup in England, when he was called in as an injury replacement and played in all three playoff tests – including the final.
Moody said he did look at options overseas, but felt staying in New Zealand was the right decision for him.
‘‘I still feel like I have a lot to contribute to rugby here in New Zealand, so at this stage I can’t see myself anywhere else,’’ Moody said.
‘‘It’s important to me to stay loyal to the teams that have shown faith in me throughout my rugby career, and I’m loving my time among a world-class forward pack with the All Blacks and the Crusaders.’’