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Damian McKenzie's return to New Zealand confirmed following Japan sabbatical
All Blacks star Damian McKenzie’s return to New Zealand has been confirmed following a six-month spell in Japanese club rugby.
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McKenzie is back in New Zealand after spending the opening half of this year plying his trade for Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath in the inaugural Japan Rugby League One season.
The 27-year-old’s defection to Japan came after he didn’t sign a contract extension with New Zealand Rugby [NZR] despite the expiration of his existing deal at the end of last year.
Instead, McKenzie signed a one-season deal with Suntory, believed to be worth around $1.5m, and starred as he took the League One heavyweight to the competition final, where they were beaten by the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights in Tokyo last month.
Since then, McKenzie – who finished as the league’s top point-scorer and won selection at fullback in the League One Best XV – has returned to Hamilton after having signed a one-and-a-half-year deal with NZR.
In doing so, the 40-test veteran will resume play with the Chiefs in Super Rugby Pacific and Waikato in the NPC as he remains on Kiwi shores until the end of next year.
“I really enjoyed my time in Japan, but it’s great to be home among family and friends and I can’t wait to get back on the field and reconnect with teammates and coaches in New Zealand,” McKenzie said in a statement released on Friday.
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“I’m passionate about Waikato, the Chiefs and the All Blacks and if I’m lucky enough to wear any of those jerseys again I’ll give it everything.”
McKenzie was absent from the recently-named All Blacks squad to face Ireland next month as he was deemed ineligible for selection by NZR.
As such, he will return to action with Waikato in the NPC, a move that will make him available for All Blacks selection later in the year.
That much is far from a guarantee, though, given the form of uncapped Blues star Stephen Perofeta, who has been named in the All Blacks to provide cover as a first-five and fullback in McKenzie’s absence.
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In the meantime, however, McKenzie is simply focused on playing for Waikato, something he hasn’t done in two years.
“It’s been a few years since I pulled on the Waikato jersey, but that’s where it all started for me back in 2014, so it will be awesome to get back amongst it with the lads and represent my province if I’m selected.”
McKenzie is also five matches shy of bringing up his 100th appearance for the Chiefs, and his imminent return for the Hamilton-based franchise excites head coach Clayton McMillan.
“We welcome back Damo with arms wide open. He’s not only a fan favourite but highly respected team member who gives everything of himself on the field,” McMillan said via a statement.
“I’m sure he enjoyed his time in Japan and will have developed his game further by nature of the different style they play up there.
“But it’s great to have him back, he’s a few games off becoming a Chiefs centurion and there’s no doubt he will help us take another step forward as a team next season.”
Likewise, Waikato boss Ross Filipo was similarly optimistic about having McKenzie on deck for the upcoming domestic season.
“Damian is a drawcard player wherever he goes, and it will be great to see him back in Waikato colours and entertaining the Mooloo faithful,” Filipo said.
“He will bring leadership and experience to the Waikato squad and always represents our province with courage and pride.”
NZR general manager of professional rugby and performance Chris Lendrum, meanwhile, added that the acquisition of McKenzie is significant for rugby in New Zealand.
“It’s a positive for rugby in New Zealand anytime a player of Damian’s quality and experience returns to New Zealand, and he will add a lot to the team’s he represents,” Lendrum said.
“He’s refreshed, he’s excited about playing for Waikato and the Chiefs, and he is as passionate as ever about pushing for higher honours, which is great. No doubt fans will be pleased to see him back on the field in whatever jersey he has on.”
Comments on RugbyPass
The strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
8 Go to commentsI don’t think anyone knows what Schmidt will do, one thing is certain it ain’t gonna be all the picks we on the keyboard will think. My impression of him is that he will be looking at who can step up and what is the best combination. He will ignore individuals as he looks for guys who can build a powerful team and not just guys who can make a flashy run or ignore the winger as they want to score themselves.
2 Go to commentsSome dumb selections there. Not Porecki Not Donaldson Not Gordon Not Lonegran - both Not Nic White - Fines instead Not Liam Wright Not Paisami Definitely not Vunivalu Other than that not bad.
2 Go to commentsI've never been convinced that Patty T is a test match all black. Otherwise I probably agree it's the best side available to beat the poms. Caveat that Codie Taylor is yet to be seen and could very likely warrant selection by June. I hope that Razor brings the young loosies, half backs and locks into the training squad and develops/ selects the best
8 Go to commentsYou doing the same thing I disliked about the example of Samisoni Taukei'aho, Nick. He’s great the way he is, you’re trying to do what modern-day coaches frustrate me doing, turning everyone into the perfect athlete. Next thing you’ll be telling me you’ll bench him until he’s hit that arbitrary marker, and can’t overtake the current guy who’s doing all his workons. He’s a young Kieran Read, through and through, plays wide and has threat, mainly (and evident in your clips) through his two hand carry and speed. Just let him work on that, or whatever he wants, and determine his own future. Play God and you risk the players going sideways, like Read did, instead of being a Toutai Kefu. I mean I was in the same camp for a while, wanting our tight five to have the size, and carry ability, as the teams they were getting beat by. Now I’m starting to believe those teams just have better skilled and practiced individuals, bigger by upwards of 5kg sometimes, sure, but more influentially they have those intrinsic skills of trust and awareness. Basically our guys just didn’t know wtf they were doing. Don’t think I’m trying to prove a point here but hasn’t Caleb Clarke been in much better form this year, or does he just ‘look’ better now that he’s not always trying to use his size?
44 Go to commentsThe pack lacks a little in height for the line out and I wouldn’t be completely convinced by some of the combinations till we see it in action.
8 Go to commentsThe side is good but lacks experience. International playing bona fides udually trumps super rugby form for good reason. And incumbents are usually stuck with. Codie Taylor should start or come off the bench. B Barrett will start at fullback. Blackadder has not earned the position, Finau has. TJs experience and competitiveness earns him a starting role, Christie or Ratima off the bench
8 Go to commentsPretty good side. Scott Barrett should be the captain. Ethan Blackadder a great choice at blindside. He is going to go from strength to strength having made a couple of starts for the Crusaders. Scott Robertson rates him highly. Perenara could start a no 9.
8 Go to commentsI question and with respect. Was enough done over the last few years to bring through new blood knowing the Whitelocks and co couldn’t last forever. There should have been more done to future proof the team. New squad new coach, he and they weren’t set up well. IMO
6 Go to commentsJacobsen will definitely be in the 23
8 Go to commentsLots of discussion points, Ben, but two glaring follies IMO: 1. Blackadder at 6. Has done nothing so far this season to justify his selection. Did you see him going backwards in contact at the weekend? Simply has not got the physical presence at 6: we need a Scott Barrett or a Finau (or wildcard Ah Kuoi), beasts who are big enough to play lock, like Frizzell. If Barret played at 6, Paddy could be joined at lock by Vai’i or one of the young giants we need to promote, like Darry or Lord (if he ever gets on the field). Blackadder best left to join the queue for 7. 2. Not even a mention for Christie? Ratima gets caught at crucial times at the back of the ruck when he hesitates on the pass. The only way he starts would be if Christie and TJ are injured.
8 Go to commentsWhat a dagg in more ways than one
6 Go to commentsRegroup come back next year but sack some of the coaching team and don't be like the ABs last minute sacking. If Crusaders don't do well ABs don't do well.
5 Go to commentsProctor Definitely inform again this year had a hell of a season last year and this year is looking even better. Still mixed feelings about Ioane tho.
4 Go to commentsDagg is still trying to get enough headlines to make himself relevant enough to get a job. The Crusaders went back to square one at all levels. Shelve this season and nail the next one.
6 Go to commentsHe was in such great form. Sad for him but only a short term injury and it will be great to see him back for the finals.
1 Go to commentsAfter their 5/0 start, I had the Crusaders to finish Top 4 only…they lost the plot in Perth but will reload and back themselves vs 4th placed Rebels…
5 Go to commentsBoth nations missed a great opportunity to book a game that would have had a lot of interest from around the world. I understand these games can’t be organised in 5 minutes but they should have found a way to make it happen. I don’t think Wales are ducking anyone but it’s a bad look haha.
3 Go to commentsIt will be fascinating to see the effect that Jo Yapp has. If they can compete with Canada and give BFs a run for their money that will be progress
1 Go to commentsFollowing his dream and putting in the work. Go well young fella!
3 Go to comments