McKenzie re-signs with NZ Rugby
Chiefs coach Colin Cooper feels money clearly wasn’t a motivating factor for All Black Damian McKenzie.
The Chiefs playmaker has signed a new deal with New Zealand Rugby, recommitting with the national body as well as his Super Rugby franchise through until 2021.
‘‘I think you’ve got to decide - do you want the money?’’ Cooper said. ‘‘If you want the money, you go. It’s as simple as that. It’s not the rugby - the rugby here’s tougher, harder, better, faster.
‘‘Plus you’ve got your family. For me, you have to get a lot of money to go away from your family.
‘‘He [McKenzie] can see a light into the All Blacks from performing with the Chiefs, so it made it an easy decision for him.’’
The 22-year-old has played 12 tests since making his All Blacks debut against Argentina in October 2016 and more than 50 games for the Chiefs since making his Super Rugby debut in 2015.
McKenzie said he was excited to sign on for the next three years in New Zealand.
‘‘My time in the Chiefs jersey has been awesome to date and the support I’ve been given during my time in Chiefs Country has been amazing,’’ McKenzie said.
‘‘I’ve had an awesome opportunity to be able to sign on with New Zealand Rugby and hopefully keep achieving higher honours in the future,’’ he said.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said: ‘‘Damian is an outstanding young talent and we are delighted that he has recommitted to New Zealand Rugby.
‘‘He had a busy year for us last year, starting in ten tests, and came through really well.
‘‘He grew in stature in his time in the jersey, developing his skillset and his game.
‘‘That experience will put him in good stead for the future and we look forward to watching him develop further over the next few years.’’