March 31, 2025 • 9 mins
A straight-forward call for Damian McKenzie to sign on for four more years in New Zealand.
The Chiefs and All Blacks playmaker has inked a new deal until 2029, a period encompassing a World Cup and a British and Irish Lions visit.
McKenzie joined Piney to discuss further.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:06):
You're listening to the Sports Talk podcast with Dancy Wildergrave
from News Talk ZEDB.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
So Damien McKenzie has recommitted to New Zealand Rugby, the
Chiefs and White cut All for a further four years
through until twenty twenty nine.
Speaker 3 (00:20):
Did you kick over the top end of the end door?
No one's time for Argentina sport In the end, Damien
McKenzie to dry lovely belts for the All Blacks number ten.
Speaker 2 (00:31):
Damien McKenzie is with us. Congratulations on the contract extension, Damien.
Was this an easy decision to make or did you
have to mull over some other opportunities as well overseas
before you signed on the dotted line again?
Speaker 3 (00:44):
Yeah, thanks Matte, here was a well in. It was
a bit of an easy decision to spep around and
recommit to the Chiefs in New Zealand Rugby. Obviously no
place like home and I think she's still got a
lot more to keep to both clubs. But yeah, I
guess during the process it did take a while. Obviously,
experience at a time overseved for a brief period of
(01:06):
time around twenty twenty two, so yeah, it was it was.
It did took a lot of going back and forth,
but in the end, Yeah, it ended up actually been
quite an easy decision to around to the fact.
Speaker 4 (01:19):
That you've had that time in Japan.
Speaker 2 (01:22):
Make it easier to stay because you've done that already
and scratch that itch, or in fact, did you think, Hey,
I quite liked it over there.
Speaker 4 (01:28):
I wonder whether I should go back.
Speaker 3 (01:31):
I really love my time in Japan. I was awesome
to I guess, experience a different style of rugby, different culture,
and Japan's a great place and it was lucky enough
to be a part of a really cool, cool club
over there in Suntury, and so the thought of going
back was definitely on my mind. I guess the opportunity
(01:53):
in New Zealand was, I guess one that I thought
I couldn't give up. And obviously both clubs have done
so we've given so much with the Chiefs and in
the All Blacks, and I feel like it's a great
the next two years and want to be a part
of it New Zealand. So yeah, like the opportunity to
go back to Japan really excited me, but I think
(02:15):
I feel like I still a little bit more together
in New Zeller leadership.
Speaker 2 (02:18):
So now the All Black with the longest contract nobody
else is beyond twenty twenty nine. How keen were you
to go beyond twenty twenty seven with the potential of
a Lions tour in twenty twenty nine for example, Yeah.
Speaker 3 (02:33):
It's obviously great to sign a long term deal with
the New Zealand Rugby and I guess the thought of
potentially being a part of a Lion series in twenty
twenty nine would be extremely exciting. But I guess he's
what of water to go under the bridge before then
and slip. We've got a big season this year and
(02:55):
then is a obviously the Spahika Tour next year and
then leading into a World Cup in twenty seven. So
I mean, you know, the fact I've signed for four
years doesn't exactly mean I'm just going to get handed
opportunity to play for the All Blacks. I know it's
going to take a bit of work over the next
few years, and that starts with the Chiefs and love
what we've got Garnet at the Chiefs at the moment,
and then I'm hopefully be there and bigger things come
(03:17):
beyond that.
Speaker 2 (03:18):
It just on the Chiefs. How big a priority is
is it for you? How much you are you motivated
to win a Super Rugby championship or championships plural with
the Chiefs.
Speaker 3 (03:29):
Yeah, extremely motivated. Obviously. I been the Chiefs for a
long time now and it was hit them ups and
down definitely throughout my time with the Chiefs, and I
guess in the last couple of years we've been really close,
but I haven't been quite been able to climb that
last turtle. So yeah, extremely motivated to bring a championship
to the region. A club that's getting so much to me.
(03:52):
We've obviously got a great crew here, very proud province,
proud region. So I mean the least we can do
is try and bring your championship homes. It's been a
long time since we've been able to do that. Twenty
thirty was the last time we were able to win
a champion So that's extremely motivating for myself to try
and help the Chiefs bring a title to the region.
Speaker 2 (04:15):
You've started the last two games for the Chiefs at
first five, the wins over the Blues and Maana Pacifica
the first three of the season at fallback. I know
you get asked this question a lot.
Speaker 4 (04:25):
But are you still.
Speaker 2 (04:25):
Equally comfortable in either role or is first five still
your preference?
Speaker 3 (04:31):
Yeah, I feel like I'm equally confident in both position.
Obviously focusing more on playing a lot of first five
with the Chiefs, obviously very few games played full with
Josh Jakin playing ten. He's a great, great young player,
and I guess now I Sean Bean back that with us.
That's allowed me to jump back into their ten role,
(04:52):
and I guess the way we sort of the stole
week players been able to switch in between the boat
But I think for myself moving forward, being able to
really command a spot and play ten and really drive
a team around the as something in a part of
my game I'm always trying to work on, and particularly
if James beneath level with the Ortlax playing especially playing
(05:14):
ten is just you know, working on my craft around
my game management, getting the team around the park for
any minute. So the more I can do that at ten,
I guess then I can sort of shift to fifteen
there in the game, which is also very exciting with
a bit more space.
Speaker 4 (05:28):
Absolutely, do you is there any danger do you think of?
Speaker 2 (05:32):
If you do, I guess become a bit more structured
at first five become a game driver.
Speaker 4 (05:37):
I guess in a more traditional sense of a first.
Speaker 2 (05:39):
Five that you might lose that that's superpower of yours
to just make things happen and broken play or do
you feel the two can go hand in hand.
Speaker 3 (05:48):
Yeah, it's probably just you know, picking the right moments
when it's on, to have a going when it's not.
And I guess, you know, that's something I pride myself on.
Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but I mean that's
all part of rugby. If you're willing to take the rest,
you know, sometimes it pays off, sometimes it might not.
But I guess it's just been a bit more consistent
and the decisions I'm making, and particularly once you get
(06:10):
to a test arena, the opportunities are a lot fewer,
so making sure I'm a bit more accurate when it
comes to a test rugby. But I mean the more
experience I'm able to get at Super rugby and out
the drump from Super to Test is a decent elite.
But the more experience I can get a teen and
playing teen for a team and leading the team around
the park, I mean hopefully that only puts me in
(06:32):
good stead for what's to come later in the year.
Speaker 2 (06:35):
Fleet and the competition for the All Blacks number ten
Jersey pretty fierce, always has.
Speaker 4 (06:40):
Been, probably always will be.
Speaker 2 (06:41):
It could get even fiercer next year of Ritchie Moonga
decides to come back. How do you how much your
relished that competition for places in the All Blacks and
in such a key position.
Speaker 3 (06:53):
Yeah, there's nothing quite better than the healthy competition you
have throughout a a super campaign or when you're in
the same team. And I guess for myself, it's the day.
It's about taking care of your own performance and playing
consistently good rugby and something I always try and pude
myself on has been consistent every week, putting everything in
(07:15):
making sure I'm preparing well. And you know, if I
can do that and hopefully play some decent rugby, then
you know that's all you can ask for. So you know,
that's my mindset going into every game each week. And
healthy competition is always great. I think it brings the
best out of players, brings the best out of myself.
So you'll, like I said, we've got some pretty decent
(07:36):
teams and they can't know and.
Speaker 2 (07:38):
You've got a sabbatical in this contract in twenty twenty eight,
I think you keen to take that up, and is
that likely to be in Japan.
Speaker 3 (07:46):
Yeah, well so we'll cross that bridge when we get there.
But you know, obviously the Japan's always a vild option,
the potential sabbatical. You know, it's a great basive experience before.
I love my time there, So you know, once once that,
once that comes up, then it's you know, just about
seeing where I am, where I'm at and now the
next sort of two years, that's my sole focus at
(08:07):
the moment.
Speaker 2 (08:08):
Fantastic well top of the table clash on Friday night
against the Reds. I'm not sure that we expected that
when the season started, but a big challenge for you
when the Reds come to town on Friday.
Speaker 3 (08:19):
Yes, absolutely they are. They are great young side and
they've been playing some really good rugby and you know
we've had some fifth battles over the past few years
and you know, back at home this weekend, it's going
to be exciting. Obviously we've we've come off a buy.
If we feel really refreshed and ready to go, and
you know, no better way to do it than to
play the top of the table clash with the Reeds
(08:41):
at one at the moment. So you know, we know
we're going to take your business this weekend and it's
not going to be easy whatsoever. That I've definitely set
the benchmark this year, so I'm looking towards to the game.
Speaker 4 (08:51):
All the best for that one.
Speaker 2 (08:52):
Congratulations on the contract extension, Damien, Thanks for.
Speaker 4 (08:55):
The chat this evening. Thanks mate, appreciate it, No appreciate.
Speaker 2 (08:59):
You joining us. That's Damien McKenzie on Sports Talk with
his new four year.
Speaker 4 (09:04):
Extension tucked into his back pocket. You've heard from the
man himself.
Speaker 1 (09:08):
For more from Sports Talk, listen live to News Talks
it'd be from seven pm weekdays, or follow the podcast
on iHeartRadio.
You're listening to the Sports Talk podcast with Dancy Wildergrave
from News Talk ZEDB.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
So Damien McKenzie has recommitted to New Zealand Rugby, the
Chiefs and White cut All for a further four years
through until twenty twenty nine.
Speaker 3 (00:20):
Did you kick over the top end of the end door?
No one's time for Argentina sport In the end, Damien
McKenzie to dry lovely belts for the All Blacks number ten.
Speaker 2 (00:31):
Damien McKenzie is with us. Congratulations on the contract extension, Damien.
Was this an easy decision to make or did you
have to mull over some other opportunities as well overseas
before you signed on the dotted line again?
Speaker 3 (00:44):
Yeah, thanks Matte, here was a well in. It was
a bit of an easy decision to spep around and
recommit to the Chiefs in New Zealand Rugby. Obviously no
place like home and I think she's still got a
lot more to keep to both clubs. But yeah, I
guess during the process it did take a while. Obviously,
experience at a time overseved for a brief period of
(01:06):
time around twenty twenty two, so yeah, it was it was.
It did took a lot of going back and forth,
but in the end, Yeah, it ended up actually been
quite an easy decision to around to the fact.
Speaker 4 (01:19):
That you've had that time in Japan.
Speaker 2 (01:22):
Make it easier to stay because you've done that already
and scratch that itch, or in fact, did you think, Hey,
I quite liked it over there.
Speaker 4 (01:28):
I wonder whether I should go back.
Speaker 3 (01:31):
I really love my time in Japan. I was awesome
to I guess, experience a different style of rugby, different culture,
and Japan's a great place and it was lucky enough
to be a part of a really cool, cool club
over there in Suntury, and so the thought of going
back was definitely on my mind. I guess the opportunity
(01:53):
in New Zealand was, I guess one that I thought
I couldn't give up. And obviously both clubs have done
so we've given so much with the Chiefs and in
the All Blacks, and I feel like it's a great
the next two years and want to be a part
of it New Zealand. So yeah, like the opportunity to
go back to Japan really excited me, but I think
(02:15):
I feel like I still a little bit more together
in New Zeller leadership.
Speaker 2 (02:18):
So now the All Black with the longest contract nobody
else is beyond twenty twenty nine. How keen were you
to go beyond twenty twenty seven with the potential of
a Lions tour in twenty twenty nine for example, Yeah.
Speaker 3 (02:33):
It's obviously great to sign a long term deal with
the New Zealand Rugby and I guess the thought of
potentially being a part of a Lion series in twenty
twenty nine would be extremely exciting. But I guess he's
what of water to go under the bridge before then
and slip. We've got a big season this year and
(02:55):
then is a obviously the Spahika Tour next year and
then leading into a World Cup in twenty seven. So
I mean, you know, the fact I've signed for four
years doesn't exactly mean I'm just going to get handed
opportunity to play for the All Blacks. I know it's
going to take a bit of work over the next
few years, and that starts with the Chiefs and love
what we've got Garnet at the Chiefs at the moment,
and then I'm hopefully be there and bigger things come
(03:17):
beyond that.
Speaker 2 (03:18):
It just on the Chiefs. How big a priority is
is it for you? How much you are you motivated
to win a Super Rugby championship or championships plural with
the Chiefs.
Speaker 3 (03:29):
Yeah, extremely motivated. Obviously. I been the Chiefs for a
long time now and it was hit them ups and
down definitely throughout my time with the Chiefs, and I
guess in the last couple of years we've been really close,
but I haven't been quite been able to climb that
last turtle. So yeah, extremely motivated to bring a championship
to the region. A club that's getting so much to me.
(03:52):
We've obviously got a great crew here, very proud province,
proud region. So I mean the least we can do
is try and bring your championship homes. It's been a
long time since we've been able to do that. Twenty
thirty was the last time we were able to win
a champion So that's extremely motivating for myself to try
and help the Chiefs bring a title to the region.
Speaker 2 (04:15):
You've started the last two games for the Chiefs at
first five, the wins over the Blues and Maana Pacifica
the first three of the season at fallback. I know
you get asked this question a lot.
Speaker 4 (04:25):
But are you still.
Speaker 2 (04:25):
Equally comfortable in either role or is first five still
your preference?
Speaker 3 (04:31):
Yeah, I feel like I'm equally confident in both position.
Obviously focusing more on playing a lot of first five
with the Chiefs, obviously very few games played full with
Josh Jakin playing ten. He's a great, great young player,
and I guess now I Sean Bean back that with us.
That's allowed me to jump back into their ten role,
(04:52):
and I guess the way we sort of the stole
week players been able to switch in between the boat
But I think for myself moving forward, being able to
really command a spot and play ten and really drive
a team around the as something in a part of
my game I'm always trying to work on, and particularly
if James beneath level with the Ortlax playing especially playing
(05:14):
ten is just you know, working on my craft around
my game management, getting the team around the park for
any minute. So the more I can do that at ten,
I guess then I can sort of shift to fifteen
there in the game, which is also very exciting with
a bit more space.
Speaker 4 (05:28):
Absolutely, do you is there any danger do you think of?
Speaker 2 (05:32):
If you do, I guess become a bit more structured
at first five become a game driver.
Speaker 4 (05:37):
I guess in a more traditional sense of a first.
Speaker 2 (05:39):
Five that you might lose that that's superpower of yours
to just make things happen and broken play or do
you feel the two can go hand in hand.
Speaker 3 (05:48):
Yeah, it's probably just you know, picking the right moments
when it's on, to have a going when it's not.
And I guess, you know, that's something I pride myself on.
Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but I mean that's
all part of rugby. If you're willing to take the rest,
you know, sometimes it pays off, sometimes it might not.
But I guess it's just been a bit more consistent
and the decisions I'm making, and particularly once you get
(06:10):
to a test arena, the opportunities are a lot fewer,
so making sure I'm a bit more accurate when it
comes to a test rugby. But I mean the more
experience I'm able to get at Super rugby and out
the drump from Super to Test is a decent elite.
But the more experience I can get a teen and
playing teen for a team and leading the team around
the park, I mean hopefully that only puts me in
(06:32):
good stead for what's to come later in the year.
Speaker 2 (06:35):
Fleet and the competition for the All Blacks number ten
Jersey pretty fierce, always has.
Speaker 4 (06:40):
Been, probably always will be.
Speaker 2 (06:41):
It could get even fiercer next year of Ritchie Moonga
decides to come back. How do you how much your
relished that competition for places in the All Blacks and
in such a key position.
Speaker 3 (06:53):
Yeah, there's nothing quite better than the healthy competition you
have throughout a a super campaign or when you're in
the same team. And I guess for myself, it's the day.
It's about taking care of your own performance and playing
consistently good rugby and something I always try and pude
myself on has been consistent every week, putting everything in
(07:15):
making sure I'm preparing well. And you know, if I
can do that and hopefully play some decent rugby, then
you know that's all you can ask for. So you know,
that's my mindset going into every game each week. And
healthy competition is always great. I think it brings the
best out of players, brings the best out of myself.
So you'll, like I said, we've got some pretty decent
(07:36):
teams and they can't know and.
Speaker 2 (07:38):
You've got a sabbatical in this contract in twenty twenty eight,
I think you keen to take that up, and is
that likely to be in Japan.
Speaker 3 (07:46):
Yeah, well so we'll cross that bridge when we get there.
But you know, obviously the Japan's always a vild option,
the potential sabbatical. You know, it's a great basive experience before.
I love my time there, So you know, once once that,
once that comes up, then it's you know, just about
seeing where I am, where I'm at and now the
next sort of two years, that's my sole focus at
(08:07):
the moment.
Speaker 2 (08:08):
Fantastic well top of the table clash on Friday night
against the Reds. I'm not sure that we expected that
when the season started, but a big challenge for you
when the Reds come to town on Friday.
Speaker 3 (08:19):
Yes, absolutely they are. They are great young side and
they've been playing some really good rugby and you know
we've had some fifth battles over the past few years
and you know, back at home this weekend, it's going
to be exciting. Obviously we've we've come off a buy.
If we feel really refreshed and ready to go, and
you know, no better way to do it than to
play the top of the table clash with the Reeds
(08:41):
at one at the moment. So you know, we know
we're going to take your business this weekend and it's
not going to be easy whatsoever. That I've definitely set
the benchmark this year, so I'm looking towards to the game.
Speaker 4 (08:51):
All the best for that one.
Speaker 2 (08:52):
Congratulations on the contract extension, Damien, Thanks for.
Speaker 4 (08:55):
The chat this evening. Thanks mate, appreciate it, No appreciate.
Speaker 2 (08:59):
You joining us. That's Damien McKenzie on Sports Talk with
his new four year.
Speaker 4 (09:04):
Extension tucked into his back pocket. You've heard from the
man himself.
Speaker 1 (09:08):
For more from Sports Talk, listen live to News Talks
it'd be from seven pm weekdays, or follow the podcast
on iHeartRadio.
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