Richie McCaw celebrates with fans after New Zealand's victory over Australia in the Tri-Nations clash in Sydney in September © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Richie McCaw

Teams: Canterbury | New Zealand

All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw has indicated that he will continue to play for New Zealand after the World Cup next year and reject any offers to move to the northern hemisphere.

The southern hemisphere sides are bracing themselves for an exodus of players after the World Cup in New Zealand with French clubs, in particular, ready to offer lucrative contracts to the top players.

Dan Carter and Sonny Bill Williams are currently subject to intense speculation over potential moves to the French Top 14 competition. And while other South Africa, New Zealand and Australia players may be tempted to cash in on moves abroad, McCaw insists he is ready to rebuff any offers in favour of prolonging his international career with the All Blacks.

"I'm having a really good think about it and I've always said enjoyment is the key," McCaw told the Sunday Star Times. "Rugby is a passion for me but enjoying it is the key. I loved it this year, I loved running out for an international and playing for the All Blacks, there's nothing better.

"So I want to keep going. I'm talking to the union about what they want from me and what I want. If we can come to an agreement I'd love to carry on because I'm enjoying this. But I do have a bit to think about over the next wee while. I said I was going to do that on the tour but it didn't pan out like that and I think now that this is the right time. I'm having a break, I'm getting refreshed about rugby and I'll start talking about it.

McCaw enjoyed a hugely successful season with the All Blacks as he led the side to the Tri-Nations title and a Grand Slam tour of Britain and Northern Ireland. The 29-year-old recently suggested that the 2011 World Cup on home soil would be his last assault on the prize that has so far evaded New Zealand since 1987. But the Canterbury flanker insists that would not mean a move to Europe.

"I've made no secret of it that I love playing in New Zealand and my desires to play overseas have never been that great," he added.

"Those desires change as you move on in your career, but you can't beat running out in front of 80,000 people at the Millennium Stadium or somewhere else and you'd be a mug to not want to do it for as long as you can."