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All Black Kerr-Barlow to make La Rochelle switch
By Peter Thompson
New Zealand scrum-half Tawera Kerr-Barlow will leave Chiefs to join La Rochelle at the end of the Super Rugby season.
The 26-year-old playmaker, who won his 25th cap for the All Blacks against Italy last November, has agreed a three-year deal with the Top 14 leaders.
Aaron Cruden decided to turn his back on the world champions and Chiefs to join Montpellier later this year and Kerr-Barlow has also opted to take up a new challenge in France.
"It was an extremely hard decision to make, but I feel it is the right one for my family and myself," said Kerr-Barlow.
"I've always wanted to play rugby in New Zealand and to represent teams like Waikato and the Chiefs which is where my family comes from.
"It was a childhood dream of mine to become an All Black and it has been a privilege to represent my country.
"I had really good contact with the Chiefs and the All Blacks throughout the process, but ultimately the opportunity to play rugby with La Rochelle and experience the French culture with my family was the right decision for me."
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Latest Comments
I think the best 15 we have is DMac. Jordan at 14.
Go to commentsIt certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
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