Back to farm and grassroots club
Marty McKenzie has returned to his roots.
For the past decade, McKenzie has immersed himself in the world of professional rugby.
He’s lined up for the likes of the Crusaders, Chiefs, and Blues after making his Southland Stags debut as a teenager in 2011.
But at 27 years old McKenzie’s enjoying a return to where it all started.
He’s back working on the family dairy farm at Otama in Southland and will captain Woodlands in Southland’s premier club rugby competition which starts today.
At the moment, professional sport couldn’t be further from his mind.
‘‘It’s cool being back playing club rugby with the club I started with straight out of school I guess.
‘‘I’m just looking forward to getting out and playing and then having a yarn over a beer after the game,’’ the older brother of All Black Damian McKenzie said.
‘‘I’ve probably only played two full seasons of club rugby in my life so it will be good to be there for the whole season rather than turning up for one or two games.’’
McKenzie was in Wales playing for Ospreys this year and was scheduled to return this month.
However, his return to New Zealand was brought forward to February because of injury, which turned out to be good timing given Covid-19 restrictions were looming.
The former Maori All Black hasn’t given the prospect of lining up for the Southland Stags this year much thought saying his focus was on playing for Woodlands.
‘‘To be honest I’m not doing a hell of a lot of training and I’m just enjoying life on the farm and playing club rugby.
‘‘I’ve been playing footy for my whole life, so I’m really enjoying it. It’s probably been a good 12 years since I’ve done anything [on the farm],’’ he said.
McKenzie said there was a good vibe around the Woodlands club as it, like all Southland clubs, made a delayed start to the season because of Covid-19.
Woodlands has shape as the team to beat this year, given McKenzie has returned and brought some handy players with him.
Included is utility back Matt McKenzie and loose forward Cole Blyde who McKenzie knew from his days playing in Taranaki.
‘‘They will be looking to push for higher honours and personally I think they’ll probably get there.’’
Former Stags halfback Liam Howley has also returned to Southland after a stint playing in the UK.
Howley has opted to join Woodlands to play alongside McKenzie rather than link back with his previous club Pirates-Old Boys.
The Woodlands backline will also include Ray Nu’u, Josh Moorby, and Tauasosi Tuimavave who have all played for the Stags.
Woodlands has also added former North Harbour B looseforward Nathan Vaatausili.
McKenzie has traditionally played at first five-eighth or fullback but he will likely feature in the midfield for Woodlands. ‘‘I’ll just go wherever I can fit in. I’ll just fit around those guys pushing for the Stags,’’ he said.
Woodlands will host Blues in its season opener today. Star and the Eastern-Northern Barbarians will square off at Waverley Park, with Pirates-Old Boys to host Marist in the other premier fixture.