RugbyU: Chiefs trio re-sign with All Blacks

WELLINGTON - The All Blacks announced Wednesday that Waikato Chiefs trio Liam Messam, Sam Cane and Tawera Kerr-Barlow had signed contract extensions taking them through to the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Coach Steve Hansen said retaining three players from the reigning Super 15 champions strengthened the All Blacks' squad.

"Liam is a natural leader and key member of the All Blacks, while Sam and Tawera have also impressed us since coming into the All Blacks in the past two years," he said.

Meanwhile, All Blacks winger Julian Savea has revealed that the Canterbury Crusaders are trying to tempt him from the Wellington Hurricanes for next year's Super 15 season.

The 23-year-old was reluctant to discuss the issue ahead of New Zealand's Rugby Championship Test against Australia in Wellington on Saturday.

"I'm keeping my options open but just concentrating on footy right now," he told reporters.