Gareth Anscombe suffered a knee injury while on international duty with Wales and has been forced to sit on the side-lines for the duration of the season. In Anscombe’s absence the Ospreys have moved to strengthen their outside-half stocks and McKenzie will compete with Luke Price, James Hook and Cai Evans for the number 10 shirt.
McKenzie, an outside half who can cover at fullback was a key figure in the Chiefs’ resurgence in Super Rugby, helping them to the Super Rugby quarter-final in June 2019.
“It was disappointing to lose Gareth, but our focus was to bring the right quality of player into the squad for the remainder of the season,” said Ospreys Rugby General Manager Dan Griffiths.
It’s been a challenging start with World Cup representation and a series of injuries having a significant impact, particularly to backline resources. With the addition of Marty we have recruited a player who has been a regular feature for the Chiefs in Super Rugby, playing with and against some of the world’s top players on a weekly basis.
“He will bring experience, creativity and a fresh perspective on and off the field. We are looking forward to seeing him in an Ospreys jersey.”
Brother of All-Blacks star, Damian McKenzie, Marty was a member of the New Zealand under 20 side that reached the Final of the 2012 IRB Junior World Championship in South Africa. After making his Super Rugby debut in 2013 for the Blues, Marty has also represented the Chiefs and the Crusaders.
“We’re delighted to have secured the signature of such a highly rated player in Marty for the remainder of the season,” said Ospreys head coach Allen Clarke. “He’s a talented outside half who has a good understanding of the game having played for quality Super Rugby franchises.
“Having spoken to him a number of times, I know Marty is eager to meet up with the boys and get on the field.”
