From the NZ Herald......
Umaga signs to stay in New Zealand until 2007
21.06.2004
12.10pm
All Blacks captain Tana Umaga has re-signed with the New Zealand Rugby Union for three more years.
The contract extends to the end of 2007, including the next World Cup.
Umaga was appointed All Black captain before the Philips Series, which opened with two convincing wins over World Cup champions England.
Umaga, who has played in 55 tests said he was delighted to have agreed terms.
"Playing for the All Blacks has always been the ultimate goal for me and being appointed captain of the All Blacks this year was a huge honour,' he told www.allblacks.com.
"As we were able to show against England, the focus within the All Blacks squad this year is on building for the future and I feel privileged to be a part of that."
New Zealand Rugby Union Chief Executive Chris Moller said re-signing the All Blacks captain was a key part of the continuing development of the team.
He said it reinforced the opportunities available to New Zealand's best rugby players in New Zealand.
"Not only has Tana proved a popular choice as All Blacks captain, but he has made significant contributions to rugby and the community in New Zealand," Moller said.
"It is a great result to be able to secure him up to the end of 2007."
Umaga is yet to agree terms with the Wellington Rugby Union. He said he expected to conclude these negotiations within the next 10 days, which would see him remain in Wellington with the Hurricanes and Wellington Lions.
Umaga signs to stay in New Zealand until 2007
21.06.2004
12.10pm
All Blacks captain Tana Umaga has re-signed with the New Zealand Rugby Union for three more years.
The contract extends to the end of 2007, including the next World Cup.
Umaga was appointed All Black captain before the Philips Series, which opened with two convincing wins over World Cup champions England.
Umaga, who has played in 55 tests said he was delighted to have agreed terms.
"Playing for the All Blacks has always been the ultimate goal for me and being appointed captain of the All Blacks this year was a huge honour,' he told www.allblacks.com.
"As we were able to show against England, the focus within the All Blacks squad this year is on building for the future and I feel privileged to be a part of that."
New Zealand Rugby Union Chief Executive Chris Moller said re-signing the All Blacks captain was a key part of the continuing development of the team.
He said it reinforced the opportunities available to New Zealand's best rugby players in New Zealand.
"Not only has Tana proved a popular choice as All Blacks captain, but he has made significant contributions to rugby and the community in New Zealand," Moller said.
"It is a great result to be able to secure him up to the end of 2007."
Umaga is yet to agree terms with the Wellington Rugby Union. He said he expected to conclude these negotiations within the next 10 days, which would see him remain in Wellington with the Hurricanes and Wellington Lions.
