Rugby: Damian McKenzie signs on for three more years

Damian McKenzie has re-signed with NZ Rugby and the Chiefs for another three years. PHOTO/PHOTOSPORT

Fan-favourite Damian McKenzie has re-signed with the Gallagher Chiefs, extending his contract with New Zealand Rugby and the Chiefs Rugby Club for a further three years until the end of 2021.

Chiefs head coach Colin Cooper was delighted to be able to continue to work with McKenzie.

"I'm really excited that Damian has re-signed with the club for the next three years. He's a great player with great character and brings a lot of confidence and stability to the team. The contract extension shows Damian's long-term commitment to the Chiefs and I'm thrilled to be working with him," Cooper said.

McKenzie was delighted to sign on for the next three years in New Zealand.

"It's a really exciting opportunity to have signed on for three more years. My time in the Chiefs jersey has been awesome to date and the support I've been given during my time in Chiefs country has been amazing.

"I've had an awesome opportunity to be able to sign on with New Zealand Rugby and hopefully keep achieving higher honours in the future."

The 22-year old has 52 Chiefs caps, making his debut in 2015 against the Blues. In 2016 his stellar form was rewarded where he was given the All Blacks jersey in Buenos Aires to take on Argentina.

Last year was a landmark year in McKenzie's career. Outstanding performances in Investec Super Rugby resulted in him winning Coaches Player of the Year at the 2017 Chiefs Awards, and he was a prominent figure in the All Blacks camp, earning 10 caps throughout the international season.