All Blacks captain Kieran Read has signed a new two-year contract with New Zealand Rugby through to the end of 2019.

The double World Cup champion and 2013 World Player of the Year has played 97 Tests for the All Blacks since making his debut in 2008, and is likely to lead New Zealand in their title defence at the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

'I love playing for the All Blacks and Crusaders, love playing alongside my teammates and love the respective cultures, so it was an easy decision for me to recommit to New Zealand Rugby,' he commented.

Photo: Anthony Au-Yeung