Ethan Blackadder had no shortage of options to leave New Zealand, before re-committing to staying where he is until 2025, Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has revealed.
On Tuesday, the 28-year-old re-signed with New Zealand Rugby, becoming the second All Black of the day - after Anton Lienert-Brown - to pledge his immediate future to staying put.
Despite his success with the Crusaders at Super Rugby level, the contract was a huge endorsement to Blackadder, who has played just nine tests due to an ongoing series of injuries.
The uncompromising loose forward has gone from strength to strength since his test debut in 2021, but didn't feature at all for Ian Foster's side after a shoulder injury for the Crusaders towards the end of Super Rugby.
But with Blackadder's Crusaders coach Robertson to take the reins of the All Blacks from 2024, the pair will likely continue their partnership in the black jersey.
However, that could have been a different case entirely, with Blackadder receiving offshore offers before he re-signed.
Robertson, though, knows exactly why he wanted Blackadder to remain in New Zealand, with his future at the Crusaders at the very least guaranteed.
"Ethan's really special to us, on and off the field," said Robertson. "He's a unique and authentic character.
"He just gives everything. He epitomises what a Crusader is - he always wins all awards for performance on, and what he gives off the field.
"He was highly sought after. To keep him here is great.
"It means a lot for him to be a Crusader, and he means a lot to us."
Aside from the shoulder injury last year, Blackadder has also been hit by a worrisome calf this year.
An injury in week five of Super Rugby Pacific has left Blackadder out of action for the past six matches, in which the Crusaders have won five and lost one.
But Robertson has pencilled in next week's clash against the Waratahs in Christchurch as a potential return date for his star loose forward.
"He's pending, we're holding him back," Robertson continued. "Our training intensity just steps up with him involved.
"Next week is the plan."
