McKenzie reveals his rugby future
Damian McKenzie is back in Hamilton with a newly inked year-and-a-half contract that will keep him at the Chiefs and in New Zealand rugby until the World Cup.
But the dynamic playmaker knows he faces fresh competition to regain his spot in the All Blacks this year.
Two weeks ago, McKenzie returned home from a lucrative six-month stint with Suntory, where he is believed to have pocketed $1.5 million for guiding the Milton Haig-coached club to the Japanese Top League final they lost to Robbie Deans’ Panasonic.
“I loved it. It’s a cool country. The rugby is a bit different — it’s quick, open and pretty loose, which is the style I like playing so it was good fun,” McKenzie said.
“Rugby over there is developing really well so in the next few years that Japanese League One competition will be pretty strong.”
McKenzie was expected to return home following one season in Japan but, until now, there has been no confirmation of his plans.
Committing through to the 2023 World Cup in France leaves the door open for the 27-year-old to again take his talents offshore, or stay as a potentially senior figure in a depleted All Blacks squad.
For now, his return to the Chiefs significantly boosts their playmaking stocks.
With Bryn Gatland growing his game and one-test All Black Josh Ioane understood to have re-signed for a further two years, McKenzie is likely to slot in at fullback for the Chiefs.
“I always thought of coming home. “The World Cup was always a big goal of mine so I wanted to come back for that. Signing for the Chiefs was an easy decision.
“It’s a great club and I’m close to 100 games so it was always the plan to come back and join them and Waikato for the NPC season this year.
“The goal is to make the World Cup, hopefully, and then I’ll reassess after that.”
After playing 40 tests — 13 last year, six off the bench — McKenzie has runs on the board for the All Blacks but compelling form from Blues playmaker Stephen Perofeta this season creates serious competition for the third first-five/fullback role behind Beauden Barrett and Richie Mo’unga.
McKenzie was not included in the All Blacks 36-man squad named last week for the three-test series against Ireland next month as he must first play for Waikato to be eligible.
Once he satisfies that stipulation, he will likely go head-to-head with Perofeta for an All Blacks recall later this year.
“I’m not eligible for the Irish series or the initial squad naming for the Rugby Championship but my understanding is if there’s an injury to maybe a 10 or 15 then I’m eligible to be brought into the squad. I’ll just wait and see what happens. My mind at the moment is focused on the season with Waikato and if something pops up, I’ll go from there.
“Stevie has had a great season he’s played really well for the Blues so it’s good to see him named and get a crack in the Irish series.”