New Zealand Rugby has started planning for 2024 and beyond by extending the contracts of two star players, but one person who is yet to confirm his future is Damian McKenzie.
The 27-year-old has been in scintillating form since returning from Japan, guiding a well-oiled Chiefs attack to an unbeaten record after seven rounds.
Upon return from Japan, McKenzie inked a deal through to the end of 2023 with New Zealand Rugby and the Chiefs, leaving his options open at the end of the season.
So far only two All Blacks have signed on until the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with Rieko Ioane and McKenzie’s Chiefs teammate Samisoni Taukei’aho both putting pen to paper in the last week.
While he is yet to confirm his future in NZ or overseas beyond 2023, the mercurial five-eighth says he’s “not far away” from making a decision.
“I’m still working through it at the moment (but I’m) not far away from sorting out my future plans,” McKenzie told SENZ The Run Home.
“That’ll be happening very shortly.
“I’m enjoying my rugby here in New Zealand, it’s great, it’s obviously nice being back.
“It’s been great so far at the Chiefs this year and it certainly helps when you’re winning which makes the week a lot more enjoyable.”
McKenzie’s form has pushed him straight back into contention for Ian Foster’s World Cup squad, likely joining incumbents Richie Mo’unga and Beauden Barrett as the last member of the five-eighth trio.
However, with both Mo’unga and Barrett set to head to Japan in 2024, a huge hole will be left in the No.10 jersey.
Considering the career-best form he has shown so far in 2023, former All Black Sir John Kirwan believes NZR must extend McKenzie’s contract to ensure he stays in New Zealand for the foreseeable future.
“We've been talking about innovation and I actually think he's brought (that) because of the way he plays,” Kirwan told Sky Sport’s The Breakdown.
“He plays like a rugby league standoff, so he's running laterally at times... with guys cutting, guys coming at different angles.
“I think that's what the game needs. Are we actually seeing the modern first-five in Damian McKenzie?
“Sign him tomorrow - Damian, please sign with Rieko.”
McKenzie currently ranks second in Super Rugby Pacific for points scored across the season with 71, just two points behind leader Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes).