All Blacks

The All Blacks management team announced today 41 players who will be attend the get-together.

Ioane was left out of All Blacks' 51-man squad northern hemisphere tour at the end of last year.

New Zealand Rugby's head of high performance Mike Anthony said the timing of the foundation day is important, given the players' busy rugby schedule in 2019.

"Given the All Blacks have an incredibly short lead-in time to the upcoming international season, culminating in the Rugby World Cup, and with there being no camps during the Super Rugby season," said Anthony.

The former All Blacks fullback has made the decision following medical advice, as a long-term knee injury hasn't allowed him to train and play at an elite level.

Dagg played 66 tests for the All Blacks over an eight year period, last featuring internationally in the test against Argentina in New Plymouth in September 2017.

He also played 89 matches for the Crusaders, 25 games for the Highlanders and made 50 appearances for his beloved Hawke's Bay Magpies.

The 30-year-old has put pen to paper on a new two-year deal.

Smith has been a mainstay in the national side since making his All Blacks debut in 2012, playing 82 tests - making him New Zealand's most capped number nine.

He's excited to confirm that his future would be in New Zealand.

"From my earliest playing days, my focus has always been about being passionate about the teams I play for and I've always enjoyed giving 100 percent to the teams I represent," Smith said.

The 31-year-old was a member of both the 2011 and 2015 World Cup-winning teams - and has 106 test caps to his name.

Franks will join older brother Ben and former All Black prop Ben at Northampton - and says the move presents a great opportunity to test himself in a new rugby environment, and reconnect with family there.

Franks has been named to start for the Crusaders in their Super Rugby opener tomorrow night against Blues in Auckland.

His recommitment means New Zealand Rugby and the Hurricanes can continue to rely on his outstanding leadership, skill and experience for the next three years.

The 2015 Rugby World Cup winner, who led the Hurricanes to the club's first Investec Super Rugby title a year later, said he was committed to continuing his career in New Zealand.

"I still feel like there are things that I want to achieve in New Zealand with teams that mean a lot to me," Coles said.

New Zealand born Schmidt said he's committed to having at least 12 months off to spend more time with his family, in particular, his 15-year-old son, Luke who suffers from epilepsy and battled a brain tumour when he was younger.

Schmidt's decision means the All Blacks will have to look elsewhere for a new head coach to replace Steven Hansen, who announced last month he'll stand down at the end of the World Cup.

Time is running out for teams to be ready and long-serving manager Darren Shand is confident the All Blacks are almost there, thanks largely to their two-week stay last year.

For Kiwis, the Rugby World Cup will undoubtedly be biggest event of the sporting year and while the players are on holiday before a big season, there's plenty to do behind the scenes, as Shand tries to give them their best shot at success.

Wales Online reports that Wales will play a series against the current back-to-back World Champions in 2020 after Pivac takes over from Warren Gatland following the conclusion of the 2019 World Cup.

Gatland, who has been in charge of Wales since 2007, is stepping down from the role to return to New Zealand, where he's expected to contend for the All Blacks job, as current coach Steve Hansen confirmed earlier this month he would not seek reappointment after the World Cup.

The 22-year-old scored the only try in Ireland's historic 16-9 win over the All Blacks in Dublin last month, when he re-gathered his own kick and fended off several defenders to score in the 49th minute.

The seven-point win was Ireland's second-ever against the All Blacks, but the first on home soil in front of a sold-out Aviva Stadium. The other was at Soldier Field in Chicago two years ago, when the Irish won 40-29.

After the latest win, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said the Irish should be the favourites to win the World Cup.

The Hurricanes and Wellington star posted the news to social media this morning and his decision comes after French media reports he was set to join the Pau club after next year's World Cup.

"Truely (sic) blessed to have re-signed with NZ for 2020-2021," Savea posted on Instagram.

"To be honest was a very tough decision but being at home with family and close friends and the opportunity to play for @allblacks @hurricanesrugby @wgtn_rugby I couldn't leave.

"Thank you to the fans for the on going support. Can't wait to get stuck in to 2019 with my canes brothers".