All Blacks and Chiefs star Damian McKenzie is keeping his cards close to his chest over where his future lies, when his contract ends this year.
McKenzie, 26, would be a tantalising prospect for any overseas club, after showing his worth in the national team and Super Rugby, capable of shining at either first-five or fullback.
But the All Blacks' embarrassment of riches at both positions leave McKenzie uncertain of game time at international level, potentially forcing him to look offshore for his next contract.
Japan has already been mooted as a destination for McKenzie, but whether that would be a fulltime deal or merely a sabbatical clause in his next NZ Rugby deal is yet to be seen.
For the time being, McKenzie is putting thoughts of his future on hold, concentrating on the All Blacks' upcoming tests against Fiji, starting in Dunedin on Saturday.
"I've got no update at the moment," McKenzie says of his future. "[I'm] still working through that kind of stuff.
“For me, I'm solely focussed on this series and moving forward for the rest of the year.
"Whether it's here or elsewhere, there's still no update."
Star players Beauden Barrett, Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock have had sabbatical clauses written into their contracts, while TJ Perenara was afforded a stint in Japan, before he re-signed with NZR earlier this year.
On the other hand, McKenzie could follow former All Blacks teammate Ngani Laumape, who secured a lucrative contract with French side Stade Francais.
Fellow All Black Ardie Savea is another off contract with NZR at the end of the year and yet to decide where he'll play in 2022.
Join Newshub for live updates of the All Blacks v Fiji test from 7pm Saturday.
