Damian McKenzie makes honest All Blacks admission after signing mammoth New Zealand Rugby deal

Damian McKenzie has spoken publicly for the first time since it was announced that the talented back would be staying in New Zealand for the foreseeable future.

The playmaker has signed a deal with New Zealand Rugby (NZR) which will keep him tied to the governing body until the end of 2029, which takes in that year’s British and Irish Lions tour.

It is a huge boost for the All Blacks and the Chiefs, who he will remain with for the duration of his contract – with the exception of a possible sabbatical in 2028.

Overseas interest

McKenzie was purportedly subject to ‘high levels of interest’ from abroad – a comment made by Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan in the press release – but that was rather contradicted by the 29-year-old, who played that down when speaking to reporters on Monday.

“Just Japan, there wasn’t too many clubs,” McKenzie said, before revealing that he was tempted by the riches on offer in Asia having had a short stint at Tokyo Sungoliath in 2022.

“I definitely considered heading over to Japan… but ultimately there’s no place like home, I love it here, and in the end it was a reasonably easy decision to stay put in New Zealand,” he added.

“When you’re away you kind of miss those things that you do get at home, and realise how lucky and grateful we are here.

“And I’ve really loved living in Hamilton, and the culture, and the region and how proud they are. There’s no other club I’d want to be at in New Zealand.”

✍️ All Blacks: Damian McKenzie rejects ‘high levels of interest’ ending speculation with MAMMOTH deal

While McKenzie will no doubt be well paid for committing to NZR, it would have paled in comparison to what he could have received elsewhere.

The lure of the All Blacks therefore proved too strong for the playmaker, who admitted that he had conversations with the coaches prior to re-signing.

“We went back and forth and had a few discussions,” he said.

“Nothing’s guaranteed, I obviously got a great opportunity last year in the All Blacks, but just because I’ve signed for four more years doesn’t mean the spot’s there for me just to fall into.

“I know the work that it takes to get into that position. And there’s plenty of areas in my game that need work and areas that I continue to try and improve on.”

McMillan praise

McKenzie was alongside his boss at the Chiefs, who was effusive with his praise for the talented fly-half and full-back.

“We just sit back and admire, often, what this man brings to the table,” McMillan said.

“What impresses me most about Damian, he turns up every day and wants to be better. He doesn’t like it too much when he gets put on the sideline for a rest, which is testament to his character.

“I haven’t come across somebody who’s so admired around the globe… there’s always somebody that wants to have a piece of him, he’s really generous of his time, he understands the impact he can have on young men and women, in particular. I just think it’s outstanding what he does, often unseen.”

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