The All Blacks are set to unleash Damian McKenzie on the Springboks in the 2022 Rugby Championship with the mercurial playmaker having re-signed with New Zealand Rugby.
McKenzie is back home after spending the first half of 2022 playing for Japanese side Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath.
The 27-year-old’s six-month stint in Japan came after he chose not to sign a contract extension with New Zealand Rugby despite the expiration of his existing deal at the end of 2021.
McKenzie was absent from the All Blacks squad named to face Ireland in July as he was deemed ineligible for selection, but a return to action in the NPC will make him available for Ian Foster’s men later in the year.
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The Boks and All Blacks will kick off the 2022 Rugby Championship at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit (6 August) and at Ellis Park in Johannesburg (13 August).
McKenzie, who finished as the Japan League One’s top point-scorer and was selected at fullback in the official Best XV, has returned to Hamilton after having signed a one-and-a-half-year deal with NZR.
In doing so, the 40-Test-capped utility back will resume play with the Chiefs in Super Rugby Pacific and Waikato in the NPC as he remains on Kiwi shores until the end of next year.
“I really enjoyed my time in Japan, but it’s great to be home among family and friends and I can’t wait to get back on the field and reconnect with teammates and coaches in New Zealand,” McKenzie said in a statement on Friday.
“I’m passionate about Waikato, the Chiefs and the All Blacks and if I’m lucky enough to wear any of those jerseys again I’ll give it everything.”
✍️ Dmac re-signs pic.twitter.com/t7btJEsP2n
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) June 17, 2022
