British and Irish Lions

Crusaders mainstay Leon MacDonald is likely to follow captain Richie McCaw in opening talks on extending his contract with the Canterbury and New Zealand Rugby Unions.

Utility back MacDonald has been with the franchise since 1997, and missed just one year since then, spending the 2004 season in Japan.

That break has given the New Zealand Maori and All Blacks regular the motivation to remain on home soil.

He told The Christchurch Press: "I'll stick around for a couple more years yet. I love playing for Canterbury and the Crusaders. I'll be here for the next couple of years, if they want me.

"Japan helped break up my career, and gave me a chance to carry on. But I'm really happy with the Crusaders and love playing under Robbie (Deans) as well."

However, former Crusaders and All Blacks captain Reuben Thorne is less clear on his immediate future.

The versatile forward said: "I just take it year by year at the moment. I'm getting close to the end of it all, but I still enjoy it. There's stuff I'd like to achieve this year. Next year, who knows."

Sam Warburton says he is 'absolutely delighted' after being chosen to lead The British & Irish Lions in Saturday's first Test match against the Qantas Wallabies.

British & Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland admits he and his assistants faced some tough selection calls when picking the side to face the Qantas Wallabies in Saturday's first Test.