Damian McKenzie commits to Gallagher Chiefs for another two years

Gallagher Chiefs centurian Damian McKenzie has extended his contract with the Chiefs Rugby Club and New Zealand Rugby through to 2025.

Proficient at both first five and full back, he has been instrumental for the Gallagher Chiefs topping the points scored rankings for the 2023 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season, as well as holding the Chiefs Rugby Club all-time record. He leads the season leaderboard for kicking metres also, averaging over 370 meters per game.

Gallagher Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan said: “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.”

Invercargill born McKenzie was a stand-out for the New Zealand Under 20s team at the 2014 Junior World Championship. The next year he made the shift north to debut for the Gallagher Chiefs and after his second season of Super Rugby, he made his All Blacks debut against Argentina at just 21 years old.

Despite being 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.

McKenzie said: "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.

"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."

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