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Wellington - All Blacks' tight forwards Ali Williams and Tony Woodcock have joined a growing core of experienced players to re-sign with the New Zealand Rugby Union until after the 2011 World Cup.
The pair join captain Richie McCaw, lock Brad Thorn, flyhalf Daniel Carter, loose forward Rodney So'oialo, centre Ma'a Nonu and hookers Keven Mealamu and Andrew Hore to commit to the NZRU beyond the next World Cup, which is being held in New Zealand.
Woodcock and Williams have signed through until 2012. "They are both key guys for the All Blacks and their... Super 14 franchises and we are very happy that we now have a number of key players who will be playing their rugby in New Zealand in the immediate future," NZRU chief executive Steve Tew said. It was not, however, all good news for Williams, who limped off in the first half of the Blues' 45-27 loss to the Hurricanes last Friday after suffering a reoccurrence of an Achilles' tendon injury.
"It's not perfect, not ideal but at least it hasn't ruptured," Williams said at a function in Auckland on Monday to unveil a new white All Blacks away strip for sponsor adidas.
"It just keeps tightening up... A bit of rehab and I'll hopefully get it sorted.
"I just don't know (if he will play in the All Blacks' tests against France and Italy in June).
"I seem to recover pretty good in terms of getting running again, but soon as I start playing with all that accelerating it just doesn't like it."
Williams made his debut against England in 2002 and has played 61 Tests.
The 28-year-old Woodcock also made his debut in 2002, against Wales, and has established himself as arguably the world's best loosehead prop while playing 49 Tests for the All Blacks.
