“I will continue to play in the Top 14,” announces Kerr-Barlow at the end of his contract with La Rochelle in 2025

New Zealand scrum half Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 34, who is reaching the end of his contract in June in La Rochelle, announced on Thursday that he wanted to continue his career in the Top 14 at the end of this season. Victim “a small tear in the thigh” during the opening day against Toulon, Kerr-Barlow should make his return against Lyon on Saturday. “I was disappointed not to play (since) but I could have hurt myself more if I had played with my injury. I can’t wait to play again with La Rochelle. The motivation is there”he said at a press conference.

With the announced arrival of Racing 92 international scrum-half Nolann Le Garrec in the port city next summer, the All Black does not have too many illusions about the continuation of his adventure in La Rochelle, which he had joined in 2017. “I think (this season) will be my last season at La Rochelle. Afterwards I don’t know, I’m not in the discussions”said the 2015 world champion.

“In any case, I will continue to play rugby, in Top 14 in another club,” he added. I play to create memories with my teammates. I love rugby and I love playing”. With the Caravel jersey, “TKB” has played 165 matches (with 100 victories on the clock), scored 32 tries and won two Champions Cups in 2022 and 2023.