Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has re-signed with the Super Rugby franchise and New Zealand Rugby for another two years.
His call to stay in New Zealand means he's firmly in the frame to replace All Blacks coach Steve Hansen when he steps down after the World Cup.
Europe was the one that came calling - with speculation he'd link up with his old club Perpignan.
"I don't want to give too much away, but playing in France and speaking French helps."
With two Super Rugby titles banked in his two years in charge, and the impending departure of All Blacks coach Steve Hansen, Robertson's services are in demand.
His decision to stay in New Zealand until 2021 at least has implications for the next level, and Robertson is re-stating he's still keen to be an All Black coach.
"If the job is available and the right time at the end of the year I'll have a crack at it," Robertson said.
"Would I want him to be All Black coach? Absolutely, and it would be a fantastic problem and we would embrace that challenge," Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansfield said.
But Robertson says the All Blacks job was not part of these negotiations
"No it's separate - there's no chat around that."
With assistant coach Brad Mooar leaving in August to be head coach at Scarletts in Wales, Robertson's departure would have left the Crusaders with two big holes to fill.
"I slept for 15 hours the night after he signed," Mansfield said.
At a time of a player exodus and top coaches being lured offshore, New Zealand Rugby bosses will also sleep easy knowing Robertson is sticking around.
Newshub.
