One of New Zealand rugby’s most exciting and versatile backs is reportedly on the shopping list of former back-to-back European Champions Cup winners La Rochelle.
According to Rugby Prime in France, All Blacks playmaker Damian McKenzie could be heading to the northern hemisphere on a short-term deal, following in the footsteps of teammate Jordie Barrett.
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McKenzie, 29, remains contracted to New Zealand Rugby until the end of 2025, but speculation suggests he will join La Rochelle after next year’s Rugby Championship. McKenzie has been Scott Robertson’s go-to man at No 10 this season.
Barrett will link up with Irish club Leinster after the All Blacks’ northern tour, missing the 2025 Super Rugby season with the Hurricanes.
McKenzie has been a key figure for the Chiefs since 2015, with 126 appearances despite a sabbatical in Japan in 2022.
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