Carter and NZRU chief executive Steve Tew talk to the media following the announcement of the new deal © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Dan Carter

Tournaments/Tours: Rugby World Cup | Super Rugby

Teams: Crusaders | New Zealand

All Blacks fly-half Daniel Carter has re-signed with the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) and Crusaders franchise through until 2015.

Carter, 29, who has played 79 Tests for the All Blacks, said he had been weighing up his options for the last six months, sometimes leaning towards going overseas then having second thoughts, but it was his love of playing for the All Blacks that influenced his final decision.

"This has been an incredibly important decision for me personally and I have received some significant offers to play overseas which were both flattering and tempting," he said. "But in the end the over-riding factor for me was the All Blacks jersey.

"It means a lot to me and the more I thought about potentially playing overseas and not being able to represent my country and wear that black jersey was pretty challenging. I realise it is not a given to play for the All Blacks and there's a lot of young guys coming through in the next couple of years who will be in their prime so that's a challenge, too, and one I'm looking forward to.

"It's been a pretty tough decision, one I've been chewing over for probably the last six months, but I'm really relieved and really excited about re-signing with New Zealand - it's a pretty special moment."

Options in the contract allow Carter to take a sabbatical, either short or extended, if he wishes and that freedom of choice also swayed his decision. "Four years is a long time so there's a bit of flexibility in the contract with the sabbatical for which I'm really thankful," he said. "The union has thought outside the square and come up with some good options, but whether I take it [a sabbatical] is something I haven't thought about too much. But to have it in there is good."

Carter said he was not locked into any club or country should he look to play rugby overseas. His first sabbatical with French club Perpignan in 2008 lasted five games before a ruptured Achilles tendon sidelined him for six months.

"I haven't looked at anything at all, like whether I went back to Europe or to Japan or even just took a break," he said. "I'm really happy playing my rugby here at the moment and I'm looking to continue that for now."

Carter, who has also committed to the Crusaders in Super Rugby until 2015, said he had not rushed his decision, discussing his future plans with his parents, fiancee, various coaches and NZRU chief executive Steve Tew. "I've no doubt I've made the right one and it's a huge relief," he said. "I've got great security in my life moving forward and I love my time here in New Zealand, there's no better place in the world."

Tew said the organisation had "thought outside the square" to secure Carter. "We believe that the contract is a reflection of the high standing that Dan has in the game both here and overseas. We have been very flexible in our approach, which again shows how important we think Dan is to the All Blacks and New Zealand rugby.

"As an example, we have built in options for Dan to take an extended break from the game if he so wishes - whether that's to take a break from rugby or play overseas - and he will discuss that with us at the right time.

"I think in most people's opinion he's the best player currently in his position and he's likely to be one of the greatest All Blacks of our time so to have him stay is a big day for New Zealand rugby, a big day for the All Blacks, and will certainly help us both on and off the field for the next four years."

Tew would not release any financial details of the contract, but said the NZRU could not match the numbers offered by overseas clubs.