Brodie Retallick and Julian Savea (right) share a joke with New Zealand Rugby boss Steve Tew at the announcement of the All Blacks' pair's decision to keep playing in New Zealand.

Julian Savea and Brodie Retallick have committed to New Zealand Rugby for the next four years, becoming the first All Blacks to do so.

While securing wing Savea, 24, and World Rugby player of the year Retallick, 23, represents a major coup for the New Zealand game, much work remains to lock in other top tier talent.

The imminent departures of young guns Charles Piutau, Tom Taylor and Colin Slade - combined with the experienced core of Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu and Daniel Carter - highlights the challenges facing NZR while it attempts to compete with overseas riches.

Halfback Aaron Smith, who is off contract next year, hooker Dane Coles (2016), flanker Sam Cane (2015) and first five-eighth Beauden Barrett (2016), among others, will be further key targets for NZR in the next 12 months.

As revealed by Stuff.co.nz on Sunday, Savea and Retallick, who made their test debuts together in 2012, have signed four year deals that go close to matching those given to Richie McCaw and Carter after the 2011 World Cup.

NZR chief executive Steve Tew confirmed neither player had been granted extended breaks to play overseas or long-service leave in their contracts.

Instead, it is understood both players have been rewarded with contracts in excess of $800,000 annually.

"We know our players have choices, so to have them commit long-term to New Zealand Rugby is very pleasing, and I want to thank them both for their commitment to New Zealand," Tew said.

"It's an exciting period for rugby in this country and they will now be part of some very important events, including the revamped Super Rugby competition from next year, the British and Irish Lions tour in 2017 and Rugby World Cup in 2019."

Retallick was crowned World Rugby player of the year in 2014 capping a remarkable rise for the towering lock. His ambition to play in back-to-back World Cups was a big motivator to remain in New Zealand.

"I am only young and still have plenty to learn about the game," Retallick said.

"There is a lot I want to achieve and I firmly believe that New Zealand is the best place for me to grow my game and accomplish my goals.

"I have access to the best coaches in the world, play in teams with great lads and great environments and am really enjoying my footy."

Savea has now racked up an incredible 30 tries in 33 tests as well as 29 tries in more than 60 appearances for the Hurricanes. His decision to re-sign was, ultimately, an easy one.

"There are still a lot of things I want to achieve in New Zealand rugby and I love playing for both the Hurricanes and the All Blacks, love the jerseys, want to continue to grow as a player and help both teams succeed and add to the legacy," Savea said.

"I love the environment in both teams and the fact that a bunch of Hurricanes boys play for the All Blacks as well just makes it even better. We just want to play well for the team, for ourselves and for our fans."

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said it was "fantastic" the pair had signed on for the next four years and believed fans would applaud them for it.

"Even though they are still relatively young, they are now very experienced rugby players. They are also very valuable team members who are both world-leading players," Hansen said.

Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd was thrilled to have world-class Savea stick with his local team.

"One of our focuses is to retain our own talent and the fact the Hurricanes and New Zealand Rugby have been able to secure his services long term in what is a highly competitive contracting world is great, and also reflects his commitment," Boyd said.

"He's certainly one of our key players, and on the back of a number of other player re-signings, he will continue to be an important part of what is a highly capable back three for the Hurricanes."

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie was rapt to keep Retallick.

"He's a top man whose contribution has been world class for us both on and off the field. He sets high standards, is a leader and highly competitive in nature," Rennie said.



"While his set piece play and skill set are impressive it's his work ethic that is phenomenal. He has been the glue for us, a man whose grunt work allows others to shine. It's this attitude that saw him crowned the 2014 World Rugby player of the year."

Jerome Kaino recently signed with NZR until 2018, while Kieran Read, Owen Franks, Sam Whitelock, Cory Jane, Israel Dagg, Aaron Cruden, Ben Smith, Charlie Faumuina, Steven Luatua and Malakai Fekitoa are locked in until 2017.