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Beauden Barrett's influence in Damian McKenzie's Tokyo Sungoliath move
All Blacks star Damian McKenzie has opened up about his decision to leave New Zealand and pursue a deal with Japanese club Tokyo Sungoliath.
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After months of speculation, Tokyo Sungoliath – renamed from Suntory Sungoliath as part of the rebranding of the Top League to the Japan Rugby League One – confirmed the acquisition of McKenzie for next season in November.
Off-contract with New Zealand Rugby [NZR] at the end of this year, no official statement has been released by the national union about when, or if, McKenzie will return to Kiwi shores in a playing capacity.
However, the 26-year-old playmaker told the What A Lad podcast, hosted by former Hurricanes fullback James Marshall, that his deal with Tokyo Sungoliath is only for one season and that he plans to re-sign with NZR.
McKenzie added that he will return to New Zealand next May, but won’t be immediately available for the All Blacks, meaning he will return to action via the NPC with reigning champions Waikato, and then the Chiefs in 2023.
“I’m here for the one season, so I’ll sort of be back in roughly May-ish,” he told the What A Lad podcast.
“Then I’ll obviously sign back with New Zealand Rugby and then play [NPC] for the first while because I’m not eligible to play straight away for the All Blacks, unless there’s an injury.
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“Obviously I’m going to have to play some good rugby over here first to be considered in that squad, so then I’ll come back and play for the mighty Strong Arm [Waikato], who had a great year this year.
“Provincial rugby’s fun rugby to play and it’s a level of rugby I actually miss playing. I remember my last two games last year playing for them was some of the most enjoyable rugby I’ve played.
“That’s the plan, and I’ll definitely be back to the one and only Chiefs as well.”
By moving to Tokyo Sungoliath, which is still owned by beverage company Suntory, McKenzie follows in the footsteps of All Blacks teammate Beauden Barrett, who played for the club as part of a sabbatical deal earlier this year.
During his time in Japan, Barrett helped steer Tokyo Sungoliath to a runner-up finish in the Top League, falling short in the final at the hands of the Saitama Wild Knights, then known as the Panasonic Wild Knights.
He’s long been recognised as one of the fastest members of the All Blacks squad, but it’s now been revealed just how quick Rieko Ioane is. #AllBlacks https://t.co/y2wsIALHk4
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 30, 2021
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Aware that his contract with NZR was due to expire this year, McKenzie told the What A Lad podcast that he was eager to head abroad on a short-term deal, and said that Barrett’s influence helped him turn down other clubs to sign with Tokyo Sungoliath.
“I was sort of looking last year. I was off-contract, so I was looking at opportunities offshore and just seeing what was out there,” he said.
“There were a couple of other clubs that I looked at. Obviously Beaudy had been at Suntory, so I had a talk to him about it. I thought it was a good chance to come over.
“I’d be lying to say the money wasn’t good. It was, so it’s an opportunity to benefit in that way, but also just to try something fresh.
“Obviously I’ve been playing Super [Rugby] for a while now, so [I was looking for] something maybe less physical. It’s here now, so looking forward to it. It’s going to be fun.”
Despite filling Barrett’s void in the Tokyo Sungoliath squad, McKenzie said he doesn’t feel the pressure of living up the standards set by the two-time World Rugby Player of the Year.
“Obviously Beaudy’s a great player, so being able to, I guess, chat to him about what it was like being able to play over here has been great,” McKenzie told the What A Lad podcast.
The All Black winger was nominated for the World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year. https://t.co/qXvKIRpVHV
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) December 1, 2021
“I think, for me, it’s a game style that suits the way I play, so I’m looking forward to getting out and just trying to play that attacking rugby and just try and add my spice to the team with what I can do.
“It’s hard boots to fill, knowing Beaudy’s been here, but it’s going to be fun. I’ve got some good guys around me to play with, so hopefully I leave a good stake in the ground and play some good rugby.”
Some of the those who McKenzie will play alongside at Tokyo Sungoliath include his former Chiefs teammate Tom Sanders, as well as Wallabies stars Samu Kerevi and Sean McMahon.
Ex-Blues and Highlanders wing Tevita Li, former Highlanders lock Joe Latta and Australian pair Sam Talakai and Harry Hocking are also present in Milton Haig’s squad, giving Tokyo Sungoliath somewhat of an ANZAC feel.
The 40-test international said he was excited to meet his new teammates, many of whom stay in the same apartment complex that he will live out of once he leaves MIQ next week.
McKenzie’s cousin, ex-Highlanders and Chiefs fullback Robbie Robinson, is also based in Japan, providing the new Tokyo Sungoliath recruit with plenty of familiarity during his offshore stay.
McKenzie hopes that will play its part in allowing him to flourish in League One, where his renowned style of attacking play is expected to stand out when the competition kicks-off next month.
“They play a bit of an attacking brand and everyone’s probably a bit more my size over here, so that’s going to help,” he told the What A Lad podcast.
“We’ve got some great lads at the club as well, which is great. A good few Aussie boys, Tom Sanders has just signed there, too, which is awesome. It’s going to be fun afternoon rugby a lot of the time, which is awesome, too.”
Listen to Damian McKenzie’s interview on the What A Lad podcast below:
Comments on RugbyPass
Thanks Nick, and on the money. We tend to be apathetic until something REALLY BAD happens, then we aren't! At least this applies to the Reb players and coach, if not the spectators. They seem to be getting very quick ball at times. Have they altered something, or is it just all of the skills coming together at the right time? It seems almost the opposite of the Reds, who started the season with quick ball, but haven't been showing that in the last 3 losing games. Is it attitude (McDermott hasn't looked “right” to me for 3 weeks), or something else?
9 Go to commentsGood summary. As said, Sevu Reece has been electrifying for the Crusaders. Great try and he has been everywhere. Amazing he is now equal with Caleb Ralph , club record of 52 tries for the Crusaders. That record beckons. Good to see Dallas McLeod getting regular starts at last. A big few weeks are ahead.
3 Go to commentsGood article/interview.As was said Christian Lio-Willie was barnstorming when he came on for the Crusaders. What happened at the end, self-explanatory.Captain fantastic Scott Barrett is due back soon as well, once they are back from Aussie. Great to see Ethan Blackadder back last week.
1 Go to commentsYou must have been watching one team, Andrew - and even then you missed the brightest star in the Chiefs pack - Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 2 turnovers, genuine line-out presence and grunt around the field, and the soft hands of a back.
3 Go to commentsHaha what a crock of sh!t these headlines are. Moorby’s best year was that first. Still doesn’t seem to have the same game about him as when he was fresh but has bounced back well this season to be playing consistent tight accurate footy
1 Go to commentsIt’s even dumber than Bernard Foley not kicking the penalty to touch in the Melbourne Bledisloe in 2022.
2 Go to commentsYes, they are traveling well but it’s early days. The Chiefs were in front with 20 to go while they snatched a last minute win v the Reds. Keep calm.
1 Go to commentsThe failure of the Irish system / rugby playing style to produce their own backs has them looking elsewhere for innovation and flair - not that Jordie has much flair. He’s a converted fullback. The Canes have plenty of other younger options.
9 Go to comments1.Watch Wallace Sititi be the wild card AB. A genuine full time no 8 2. Luke J like Sotutu has not delivered. 3. Chiefs have all the right cattle but badly miss the leadership of Webber. LJ is about as unconvincing as Sam Cane when under the pump. They had the winning of that game in the second half then fell apart.
3 Go to commentsYes the Rebels are showing signs of life because they are literally playing for their live -lihoods and thanks to their Australian attack coach. However they are still playing an essentially dull boring south african style for the rest of the time. And Geoff Parling must be the most useless lineout coach ever. Worse than Steve Hansen even. Interestingly we are starting to see more cheap shots and attempts to get away with cheating by Australian players, now they are being influenced by Joe Schmidt. It was exactly the same when Rennie started out as Wallaby coach and thru his tenure. Trying to teach Australians to play like kiwis doesn’t work, as the last 20 years has conclusively demonstrated. Especially when we are not as good at it as kiwis. Which of course is the whole idea …..
9 Go to commentsGreat signing, not sure where he’ll fit in though. As for him ‘playing alongside RG Snyman, that’s highly debatable given the likelyhood that the latter will spend most of the season on sick leave.
9 Go to commentsWowee!
9 Go to commentsEvery team that has played a game in Africa this Champions Cup season is already out of the competition - including the SA teams. Could be a concidence.
30 Go to commentsthat should offer some experiences for Jordie.
9 Go to commentsJust remember: He is not a winger. Took Ian Foster 2 years to figure that out.
9 Go to commentsExcellent article, Nick. We (your RP colleague Brett McKay and my 8/9 Combo cohost), are going to have LSL on our podcast later this month. He has shown consistent excellence as a leader and lock. I’ll chat with you offline about a line of questioning if you have time. H
9 Go to commentsSo no Irish fan or journalist suggested JGP was as good as DuPont. Then even the guy who supposedly did is from Wales and said JGP would be the best around if it was t for DuPont. Right, so what is this story about again
17 Go to commentsGreat news for the URC. Leinster will always attract top talent. Another huge name added to their stable
9 Go to commentsWhen you look at Australian Rugby you can see the talent coming through. There’s young players everywhere. They have the makings of a strong Wallaby team for years to come if they trust their young players. There might be some short term pain but after 30 or 40 caps together a Wallaby group comprised of the current youngsters will really be top class. It seems like the threat of going under has focused the Rebels both on and off the field. They are having a go like a team with nothing to lose and winning back the fans whilst silencing their detractors. Its funny how an existential threat can spur a team on to new highs. Taking rugby back to the communities will help to build support and create a true team for the community and one rooted into it. It may just work and save the Rebels and if they can get the financing then maybe let them have a go at reinvention. I do feel though that Australian Rugby has one too many franchises. If the Rebels die all these solid young players get infused into other franchises who will have more money, depth and resources. It would make the Australian Rugby franchises so much stronger and they may come to achieve parity with the best franchises from NZ. Super Rugby is throwing up some really entertaining games. Not too much good defence but certainly high pace, try scoring magic on display. Melbourne are no exception to this.
9 Go to commentsMost articles (none Irish) said JGP might be second best globally (after Dupont). Anyway, he is playing great. Different player but maybe he is equal to Dupont in how he is reading games now. He is also running a lot of Dupont support lines and scoring a lot of tries. Dupont is best scrum half but JGP in next pack.
17 Go to comments