McCaw set to snub Europe

Several All Blacks are expected to announce their playing futures before the September 9-October 23 World Cup begins in New Zealand, with flyhalf Daniel Carter and fullback Mils Muliaina having indicated they were considering overseas contracts.

Auckland Blues and All Blacks tighthead prop John Afoa has already said he would leave to play for Ulster at the end of the World Cup.

Utility back Cory Jane, who was a late withdrawal from the Wellington Hurricanes side to face ACT Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday because his wife is due to give birth to their third child, has also said he had been approached but needed more time to consider the offer.

McCaw missed the first seven weeks of the Super rugby season recovering from surgery on a broken foot but said he still wanted to play for the Cantebrury Crusaders and All Blacks if possible.

"You still want to make sure you can still contribute and when I feel like I can still contribute to this team, and hopefully the team above (the All Blacks)," he told Christchurch's The Press newspaper.

"As long as I am doing that and enjoying it, I am not that keen to go anywhere."

McCaw, who returned to training this week with the Crusaders but will not play against the Bulls in Timaru on Saturday, said he hoped to have his playing future sealed within the next couple of weeks.

Local media have reported the New Zealand Rugby Union has asked the All Blacks to have their playing contracts settled before the World Cup.

McCaw is widely regarded as the world's best openside flanker and was named the International Rugby Board's Player of the Year for a third time last year. He also holds the record for most All Blacks caps (94) with Muliaina.