All Blacks and Crusaders hooker Codie Taylor has become the first All Black to sign a long-term contract with New Zealand Rugby, extending his contract through to 2021.
The 26-year-old, currently in South Africa with the Crusaders ahead of the Super Rugby final against the Lions, said it was the best decision for him and his family.
"I feel like I am living the dream at the moment, raising my young family here in New Zealand and playing for these teams that I love, so recommitting through to 2021 just makes sense for me," Taylor said.
"I am grateful to everyone who has shown faith in me and allowed me to get this far with my rugby career, and I want to continue repaying them by playing the best rugby I can here in New Zealand for a while yet."
Taylor joined the Crusaders in 2013 before making his All Blacks debut in 2015, along with a spot in the All Blacks' squad for the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Crusaders Head Coach Scott Robertson praised Taylor's skill and attitude.
"You could put Codie pretty much anywhere on the field and he would perform his roles brilliantly.
"He's blessed with natural strength, speed and skills, but he works as hard as anyone to ensure he is at his best every time he takes the field," Robertson said.
"His unassuming nature and always positive attitude make him an absolute pleasure to coach and to have in the team environment."
All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen echoed Roberton's statements, saying Taylor was crucial to the future of the All Blacks.
"It's exciting knowing that Codie has re-signed through to 2021, the first of our group to extend his contract that far," Hansen said.
"Codie's worked hard and made outstanding progress since coming into the group in 2015, he's taken his opportunities when they have come and really showed in his three starts in the recent Lions Series that he has the skillset and temperament to play at a world-class level."
All Blacks Vice-Captain Ben Smith has signed through to 2020, while All Blacks Captain Kieran Read and a number of other All Blacks, including Sonny Bill Williams and Israel Dagg, have inked deals through to 2019.