Todd to remain in New Zealand until 2018

All Blacks and Crusaders flanker Matt Todd has re-signed with New Zealand Rugby to the end of 2018.

Crusaders flanker Matt Todd

All Blacks and Crusaders flanker Matt Todd as re-signed with NZ Rugby to the end of 2018. (AAP)

Flanker Matt Todd has signed on to remain with the All Blacks and Crusaders until the end of 2018.

Todd, 28, has played eight matches for the All Blacks since his 2013 Test debut and has become a squad regular in the past 12 months.

He played with distinction in the black jumper at the back end of last year's Test campaign, wreaking havoc at the breakdown in wins over South Africa and Australia and playing two northern tour Tests.

The Cantabrian has also made 95 appearances for his local Super Rugby franchise since 2011, stepping up as first-choice No.7 after Richie McCaw's retirement.

"I was born and raised here in Christchurch, and now I'm bringing up my own young family here," Todd said.

"I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to live here and play for the teams I love, so it was a pretty easy decision to re-sign."

Todd acknowledged that, like many current All Blacks, several cashed-up European clubs sought his signature.

But he had no intention of moving offshore just yet.

Coming off a recent calf strain, the newly contracted Todd will be thrown straight back into the mixer for the Crusaders' clash with the Western Force on Friday.

Crusaders boss Scott Robertson, who has overseen an undefeated start to the 2017 Super Rugby campaign so far, is chuffed by the news.

He said Todd's on-field leadership and pilfering ability were second to none.

"We always know we can count on him to give 100 per cent and to perform at the highest level," Robertson said.

"He's a coach's dream.

"Matt Todd has a major influence on every game he's involved in."

All Blacks boss Steve Hansen echoed Robertson's thoughts, labelling Todd the ultimate team man and a dependable presence at openside.


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Source: AAP



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