Two time World Cup winning All Black second row Sam Whitelock has committed to New Zealand rugby until 2020.
The news will come as a huge boost to Steve Hanson and co. as they prepare to welcome the Lions this summer.
Speaking at the announcement of his new deal, the Crusaders captain said: "We know that they're going to be a massive challenge and if I looked to the Lions I think I'd get into trouble this week with the Stormers so at the moment I'm just enjoying the challenges of Super Rugby and looking forward to when we get a crack against the Lions as Crusaders too."
#ThrowbackThursday | In 2010, Sam Whitelock scored 2 tries on Test debut vs Ireland. Today, Whitelock signed onto NZ Rugby until 2020! pic.twitter.com/bs4UuThuJW
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) April 20, 2017
The lock is also gunning to win a third Rugby World cup saying: "World Cups are funny things. Comparing 2011 with 2015 even though a lot of the guys were the same, the tournaments were completely different again but they were exciting challenges and if I'm lucky enough to be involved in the next one I'm sure they'll be ready to embrace those challenges."
He has played 84 times for New Zealand and scored five international tries.
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