All Blacks captain Richie McCaw Wednesday signed a four-year deal to stay in New Zealand after this year's Rugby World Cup, but retained an option to play club rugby overseas.

Hailed as the most influential player in world rugby by All Blacks coach Graham Henry, the talismanic skipper joined star fly-half Dan Carter in recommitting to the national side and Super 15 team the Canterbury Crusaders.

Unlike Carter, who agonized over the decision, McCaw said staying put was always his preferred option.

The deal means McCaw, 30, will have played his entire career in New Zealand, even though the 94-Test veteran and three-time IRB player of the year could command a huge pay packet from rich overseas clubs.

However, like Carter, he has a "sabbatical" clause built into his latest contract allowing him to play overseas if the lure of the riches on offer outside New Zealand becomes too tempting.

Agencies