Damian McKenzie has extended his contract with the Chiefs and New Zealand Rugby through to 2025, bringing relief to fans in the wake of the departures of the All Blacks top No. 10s Richie Mo’unga and Beauden Barrett.
Mo’unga and Barrett are off to play in Japan after the World Cup, meaning it was imperative NZR secure DMac’s signature. He has agreed to a deal through 2025.
He is topping the points scored rankings for the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, as well and leads the season leaderboard for kicking metres, averaging over 370 metres per game.
Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan said in a statement issued Sunday evening: “It’s fantastic that Damian has recommitted to the Chiefs Rugby Club and New Zealand Rugby. His talent is undeniable and everyone from sponsors, fans, players and management benefits when players of his calibre remain in New Zealand.
“Our loyal Gallagher Chiefs fans adore him and we are a better rugby team because of him. Rugby aside – he is a genuinely good man, humble and very giving of his time.”
McKenzie made All Blacks debut against Argentina at just 21 years old and was ineligible for the All Blacks in 2022 due to his stint in Japan with the Tokyo Sungoliaths. He was selected for the All Blacks XV and was a key member of the team on their Northern Tour.
Damian McKenzie (Photo by Dianne Manson/Getty Images)
“I’m grateful to be able to continue my career here in New Zealand with the Gallagher Chiefs and New Zealand Rugby for the next two years,”McKenzie said.
“The Gallagher Chiefs have given me endless opportunities, so to sign on with this great club was a no-brainer. I love being able to represent this proud region and will continue to do so.
“We’ve got a great playing group sticking around so the next few years are going to be really exciting.”
ButThinkOfTheSnails
Roar Rookie
Oops, I stuffed that editing up, try again… Well, the chiefs had 3 AB starters in the forward pack (Taukei’aho, Retallick, Cane) vs Crusaders 1 (Whitelock), with the Crusaders having 2 reserves (Barrett, Taylor) and a possible reserve (Moody) and the Chiefs 2 more with quite a bit of test experience (Vaa’i and Jacobson) – so if the Crusaders had pretty much an AB forward pack then the Chiefs had even a bit more of an AB forward pack :silly: Pedantry aside :happy:, like you I’m curious (hopeful?) as to what changes to the lineup Razor will make, with some younger players in key positions starting to make a mark in SRP this year.
ButThinkOfTheSnails
Roar Rookie
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Brendan NH Fan
Roar Rookie
For the BaaBaas. People like to only talk about the BaaBaas v NZ XV as Razor won but he was in charge of the team that lost badly to Quinns and just beat Bath. DMac was the starting 10 in both games. Maybe EOYT and he didn't care but if he struggled to grab the game by the throat v Quinns who have the third worst defence in the Prem who were missing their main two 10s. I would guess like Smith he does great at lower levels as he needs the extra second to think or the extra 1m to make the break.
Locke
Roar Rookie
When did DMac play Quinns or Bath?
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Hook, line and sinker !!
Brendan NH Fan
Roar Rookie
After those two he is the best but he can't do what either do well. Losing RM is the big loss for NZ as he can male sure the game is played in the right area and does not force things when they aren't on like DMac and BB.
Brendan NH Fan
Roar Rookie
DMac for me still has not shown up the greatest in the Nov games up North. He played well v Ireland A but mainly down to the 9 inside him, did ok v the Baabaas (who were much stronger) but was 60% on kicks. He was the starting 10 under SR when quinns beat them 73 -28, this was a quinns side missing first choice 10 Smith and back up 10 Allen. He kicked the winning drop goal at the end of 31 -30 win over Bath. Bath were last at the time. In the Challagne Cup they were fairly rubbish too. I think up against the more organised defences he is alot like Smith for England who at Club level looks great but at test level is easily shut down at 10. Maybe there is a reason he was played at 15 previously as he is not great in traffic. Also unless rules have changed since SBW playing an NPC game makes you eligible for the EOYT. If DMac starts at 10 at the WC v any T1 side he may struggle.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
True Colvin & he was fully developed through the Canterbury systems.
avonjeff
Roar Rookie
Not sure Foster is correct. The best rugby today is in the NH. The AB will need players that can play to that standard, particularly up front. Best coaching, best experience. Opportunities will be limited but can only improve AB. Players should be encouraged, not discouraged. Local comp will not be ruined, there will still be plenty of depth. Seeing the full houses in Europe we certainly need to be fully engaged with what is going on there and engaging some of the European stars will create more interest in the AB with players such as James Lowe and Kerr Barlow in the team. Certainly needs to be discussed and not dismissed so quickly.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Just going on what i've been told JN, as I too thought his whanau came from the Republic. Thanks for the info, though Bro.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
Not South African . Though for some reason many think he is somehow descended ..De Groot isnt really an Afrikaans name either . Definitely Dutch tho . Directly translated means ' Large'...Obviously those big genes go back a long way .
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
It was Bro, as I also had the pleasure of being at the previous best at Homebush, with over 100,000 being in attendance. Always remember the legendary Jonah having the last say.
WEST
Roar Guru
Epic bro :thumbup: one of the best games I’ve ever seen
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
I was at the what was classed as the greatest test match ever played in 2013, & that was the second time there. But never in the 90’s. The week previous to that 2013 game we were at Newlands, watching the Bokke serve it up to the Wallabies & I can tell you Phil Kearns is not a very pleasant person to talk too. I was also talking with Korbus Weiss at that venue as well.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
He's played 40 tests Tooly. Cant be done now.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
I grew up in Te Kuiti Muzzo. Home of the great Pinetree Meads.
WEST
Roar Guru
You kidding?? Yeah they adore the All Blacks in Johannesburg :laughing: they really enjoy our hakas too. Try watching a few encounters there, start around the 90s and go from there, 2013 was a classic.
Tooly
Roar Rookie
Watch out Scotland don’t grab hum !
Jacko
Roar Rookie
He doesnt shy away does he.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
It was a quality game for sure. There isnt many Saders to come back tho. That was pretty much an AB forward pack with Blackadder to come back into it. Backs have a few out but Reece aint back this year anyway. Chiefs have 2 AB centres out of course tho in ALB and Tupaea. The youngsters filling in on both teams show the future of NZ rugby isnt bad. I read an article the other day around how the lockdowns have affected sport in NZ and it was really interesting. I think we will see some real talent come thru next year and 2025. The likes of Lord, who makes Brodie look short, just need to mature more and there is serious talent in almost every position coming thru. We really do need Razor to sweep thru the current lot and invest in youth in his squads. Im counting on him doing that.