“It would be massive”: Kerr-Barlow discusses potential international return, All Blacks eligibility laws
Former All Black Tawera Kerr-Barlow’s dream of returning to the black jersey is not yet over, but he concedes the current eligibility laws are important for protecting the domestic game.
Kerr-Barlow, 32, represented the Chiefs 82 times and the All Blacks for 29 caps between 2012-17 before heading to France to represent La Rochelle in the Top 14 championship.
The halfback will look to guide his side to the European title against Ireland’s Leinster this weekend.
While Kerr-Barlow is content with his career achievements, there is still a small desire to return home, should the opportunity present itself.
Current eligibility laws prevent overseas players from representing the jersey, but with a huge exodus of All Blacks heading abroad following the 2023 Rugby World Cup, there is more pressure than ever to allow players to return home for the international season.
When asked on SENZ Breakfast if he would like to return, should the eligibility laws change, Kerr-Barlow responded, “That’s a bit of a sensitive topic, isn’t it, depending on who you’re talking to.
“I can see it from both sides of the coin.
“Obviously being an ex-All Black and playing overseas, it would be massive to be able to be selected for All Blacks playing in other countries.
“At the same time, you might see a massive bunch of players leave New Zealand to go and chase the euro or the pound or the yen or what have you.
“I don’t know if that would dilute our game to the point where we wouldn’t be as competitive as we are now, so I actually haven’t really got an answer … I can see both sides of the coin.
“It would be positive if you’re overseas but then again, would that affect the quality of the rugby and the product that we’re producing back home?”
Born in Darwin, Kerr-Barlow has also previously expressed his interest in representing the Wallabies but concedes an Australian debut is unlikely under Eddie Jones.
“I haven’t had any contact with them,” he said.
“My camp has reached out to them and I don’t think there was much interest … it got blown massively out of proportion but I put my hand up to be available since the rule changed and I’ve always said I’ve always been proud to have come from Darwin.
“There’s a lot of people and support there that helped my family through my childhood and stuff and it would be nice to repay them but I think nothing’s going to come of it so it’s kind of a moot point.”
Kerr-Barlow announced his interest while former Wallabies and Chiefs head Dave Rennie was at the helm, but the coach has since been sacked in favour of Jones.