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Woodcock re-signs with NZRU
NZPA
March 5, 2007
A rock of the All Blacks pack won't be moving anywhere after the World Cup after prop Tony Woodcock today re-signed with the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU). While second five-eighth Aaron Mauger has already confirmed his post-Cup shift to England -- and lock Chris Jack has been linked with a similar move -- the All Blacks' No 1 loosehead has extended his contract until the end of 2009. The 26-year-old Blues and North Harbour player, a veteran of 27 tests since his debut in 2002, confirmed the extension today, a decision applauded by NZRU deputy chief executive Steve Tew as "very significant". "Tony is considered by many to be the leading loosehead prop in world rugby at the moment and is obviously a key player for the All Blacks. "We certainly appreciate his renewed and ongoing commitment to the All Blacks and New Zealand rugby and his desire to continue playing rugby in New Zealand." Woodcock debuted at test level the age of 21 and is now a first-choice selection having played 11 of the All Blacks' 12 tests in 2005 and another 10 last year. |
