Tawera Kerr-Barlow has no regrets on signing with French side

Chiefs' halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow looks to evade Blues' first five Ihaia West. Photosport

All Black halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow has no regrets as he prepares to leave New Zealand at the end of the season to play rugby with La Rochelle in France.

The 26 year old Chiefs player has signed a three year deal with the Top 14 club side who are currently leading the French competition.

"It was the right choice for my family at the time, obviously La Rochelle are doing really well at the moment and they play an attractive brand of football.

"I've always wanted to go out there and see the world and when they came along with an offer it seemed like a good opportunity so I just decided to roll with it," Kerr-Barlow said.

He's also looking forward to linking up with some familiar faces in France including former All Blacks Victor Vito and Jason Eaton, and his ex-Waikato and Chiefs team-mate Romana Graham.

Having made the decision to leave New Zealand, Kerr-Barlow remains determined to sign off on a positive note as he chases another Super Rugby title and a start against the British and Irish Lions.

"I don't think I'm walking away from anything as I still have a lot of unfinished business with the Chiefs and hopefully the All Blacks.

"I just take each week as it comes and hopefully I can do enough to get into the Lions team."

He's also open to the possibility of returning to Hamilton as he chases two significant milestones having played 70 games for the Chiefs and 43 for Waikato.

"Hopefully I can come back and finish up with my province and club as that would be fantastic.

"You never known how things are going to roll but in the future it would be good to come home," Kerr-Barlow said