Damien Mackenzie will return to the All Blacks until the end of 2023

New Zealand rugby team player Damien Mackenzie (27 caps in 40 caps), after a season with Japanese team Suntory Songoliath, announced the signing of a new contract with the All Blacks until the end of 2023. Friday.

McKenzie, who immediately joined the Hamilton-based New Zealand Waikato Chiefs (Super Rugby) franchise and who has already worn his jersey 95 times, will once again qualify for the All Blacks’ squad for the 2023 World Cup in France.

However, he will not take part in New Zealand’s next three selection test matches against Ireland in July, as a group of 36 All Blacks have already been appointed by coach Ian Foster.

“It’s a positive for New Zealand rugby every time a player of Damien’s quality and experience returns to the country, and he will do so much for the team he represents.‘,” confirmed Chris Lindrum, the federation’s general manager, citing the NZR press release.

McKenzie trained in Christchurch, and made his film debut in All Blacks in 2016.I really enjoyed my time in Japan (…) and look forward to getting back on the pitch and reconnecting with my teammates and coaches in New Zealand. I’m a fan of the Waikato Chiefs and All Blacks, and if I’m lucky enough to wear one of these shirts again, I’ll give it my allFor his part, the player confirmed.

The first test match against Ireland will take place at Eden Park in Auckland on 2 July, before a second meeting a week later in Dunedin and the last in Wellington on 16 July. Ireland outlasted the All-Blacks (29-20) in November in Dublin and won three of their five matches, but they have not won at New Zealand in 12 matches.