Ruby Tui & Damian McKenzie re-sign with New Zealand Rugby

Black Ferns hero Ruby Tui and 40-test All Black Damian McKenzie have both re-signed with New Zealand Rugby for two years.

Tui has been in demand since last year’s triumphant World Cup and revealed she turned down “massive opportunities” in the United Kingdom and Asia, along with a “mighty fine” offer from to switch codes and join the NRLW in Australia.

The 31-year-old will be taking an immediate sabbatical and is jetting out tomorrow to finalise that arrangement, set to sign a short-term offshore deal in the next couple of days.

But having taken a break from rugby after helping the Black Ferns lift the World Cup in a dramatic final victory over England at Eden Park, Tui was thrilled she would be staying for the next tournament in 2025.

“It’s a massive day for me and my family,” she told The Breakdown. “I’m really happy and I couldn’t have done it without New Zealand coming out and supporting women’s rugby.

“There’s been offers and it took me ages to sit there and think about what makes me happy. Me and NZR were going back and forth for a long time and in the end, thank goodness, we came to a space we agreed on.”

The Black Ferns will next month begin preparations for their first O’Reilly Cup test against Australia on June 29 and, although she is unlikely to feature, new coach Allan Bunting is pleased to retain Tui’s services.

“What she brings on and off the field is something very special,” he said. “I know that it will be welcomed when she returns from her sabbatical.”

McKenzie, meanwhile, has renewed his commitment to the Chiefs less than 24 hours after helping them extend their winning streak to nine games.

“I’m grateful to be able to continue my career here in New Zealand,” the 28-year-old said. “The Chiefs have given me endless opportunities, so to sign on with this great club was a no-brainer.

“I love being able to represent this proud region and will continue to do so. We’ve got a great playing group sticking around so the next few years are going to be really exciting.”

Having spent the majority of his All Blacks career at fullback, McKenzie will be spying an opportunity at first five-eighth with Richie Mo’unga and Beauden Barrett both heading offshore following the World Cup.

McKenzie has stood out in the No 10 jersey for the Chiefs this season, leading the Super Rugby point-scoring standings while marshalling his side’s unbeaten campaign.

This article was first published on nzherald.co.nz and is republished here with permission