Tawera Kerr-Barlow
All Blacks scrumhalf Tawera Kerr-Barlow will stay with the Chiefs for the next 2 seasons and has every intention of being 1st choice No 9.
Chiefs coach Dave Rennie said the 24 year-old has displayed an amazing work ethic recovering from his horrific injury during an All Blacks match late in 2014.
“Tawera is incredibly professional. His dedication to rehab and developing other parts of his game throughout his time out has been impressive. He is in fantastic condition.”
“He is now 1 of our senior players who contributes greatly in our environment. I know he is hungry to get back to top level footy.”
The tenacious scrumhalf has no intention of playing 2nd fiddle to either Brad Weber or Augustine Pulu.
“Hopefully it’s me starting next year,” Kerr-Barlow said.
“The way I look at it, I’m coming straight back in there to have that starting spot. That’s the view you’ve got to take in professional sport.
“I’ve always been focused on doing well in my rehab and strengthening and stuff, so won’t worry me at all.”
Kerr-Barlow added: “It is an exciting time to be a rugby player in New Zealand and it is great to have certainty around my future for the next few years.
“I am fortunate to be in 2 exceptional world class teams that have phenomenal environments and people, which make it very appealing to continue playing in New Zealand.
Kerr-Barlow has also signed on with the Waikato Rugby Union for a further 2 years.
“I am proud to be from Hamilton and I love the Chiefs and Waikato, so am rapt to have recommitted till 2017,” he said.
Kerr-Barlow has 56 Chiefs matches to his name, after making his debut in 2011. He has played 15 Tests for the All Blacks after making his 1st appearance against Scotland on the Northern Hemisphere end of year tour in 2012 and has notched up 39 matches for Waikato since debuting in 2009.
rugby365