Damian McKenzie commits to New Zealand Rugby through 2029

All Blacks utility Damian McKenzie has renewed his commitment to New Zealand Rugby with a contract extension that runs until the end of the 2029 season, despite receiving significant interest from overseas clubs. The 29-year-old playmaker, who has played 61 tests for New Zealand, expressed his excitement about continuing his journey with both the Chiefs and the All Blacks. McKenzie aims to win a championship with the Chiefs and hopes to participate in the Rugby World Cup in 2027. Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan praised McKenzie for his game-changing abilities and his impact both on and off the field. McKenzie is also on track to become one of the few players to reach 150 games for the Chiefs, further solidifying his legacy within the team. His retention is seen as a critical move for the All Blacks as they prepare for future competitions.