Muliaina commits to All Blacks

May 06 2009

All Blacks full-back Mils Muliaina re-signed with the New Zealand Rugby Union through to 2011 on Wednesday, becoming another key player secured for the World Cup campaign on home soil.

Muliaina, the captain of the Chiefs in the Super 14, followed lock Ali Williams and prop Tony Woodcock who last week pledged to the All Blacks through to the 2011 World Cup.

New Zealand rugby has already secured the critical signatures of All Blacks captain Richie McCaw and fly-half Daniel Carter on contracts which run until the end of the 2011 season.

Muliaina reportedly rejected substantial offers from British clubs to renew his All Blacks contract. He said the lure of winning a World Cup - something New Zealand hasn't achieved since it last hosted the tournament in 1987 - played a major part in his decision.

"While it has been a lengthy process getting to this decision, I have a drive to be part of the dream to win a Rugby World Cup and that desire burns strongly," Muliaina said.

"It's a big weight off my shoulders now that the decision has been made. I can now just concentrate on continuing to make the most of my New Zealand rugby career."

Muliaina, 28, has played 68 tests for New Zealand, making him the seventh most-capped All Black and the most-capped All Blacks full-back of all time.

NZRU chief executive Steve Tew welcomed Muliaina's decision.

"Mils is a great player and person who commands immense respect both on and off the field," he said.

"We are delighted that he has chosen to commit himself further to New Zealand rugby despite very attractive offers to play overseas."