McKENZIE AND ASO STAY IN NZ

New Zealand enjoyed two major victories in the player retention war when they persuaded both Damian McKenzie and Vince Aso to extend their contracts.

McKenzie, in high demand around the world, has signed a three-year extension that will keep him at the Chiefs until 2021.

Aso, who has become an integral member of the Hurricanes backline in the midfield or on the wing, has extended his contract through to the end of 2020.

“I want to make the hundy club with the Canes and it’s every kid’s dream to become an All Black,” said Aso. “It’s a hard goal but achieving that one day would be awesome.”