WELLINGTON. Apr 3: New Zealand Cricket (NZC) today extended the contract of national coach Steve Rixon through to the 1999 World Cup and the following four-Test tour of England. reports AFP.

Australian Rixon. said he was pleased to be offered an extension. and said he had resolved outstanding issues with Ills business interests in Sydney and had (he lull support of his .family.

Rixon. whose present contract expires after the Black Caps' tour of Sri Lanka in May a <1 June said it was a big decision as he had a family of four tn Australia to consider.

'The family left it on my hands lo decide."

The NZC board have also given Rison a sclectorial role in ■ i u-vamp of the selection panel.