Rumours circle about a big time All Blacks transfer to European Rugby

All Blacks playmaker Damian McKenzie is reportedly a target for two time European Cup winners La Rochelle per reports in the French media.

Breaking the news first was the site rugbyprime.com who have said per their sources that La Rochelle has reached out to McKenzie’s representatives.

Set to see his deal with New Zealand Rugby end in 2025, McKenzie has yet to resign with New Zealand Rugby and the Chiefs. This has left the door open for a potential move to the Top 14 outfit who currently have French International Antoine Hastoy and former Maori All Blacks Ihaia West and French U20 star Hugo Reus on their books.

Per rugbyprime, McKenzie could follow in the footsteps of his All Blacks teammate Jordie Barrett in signing a short term deal to experience northern hemisphere rugby.

Barrett who will join Irish powerhouse Leinster on a six month deal in 2025 exercised a sabbatical clause in his latest deal with New Zealand Rugby.

Should McKenzie make the move it would not be the first time he plays club rugby outside of New Zealand having spent time with Japanese club Suntory Sungoliath.