Kemp looks forward to doors opening

Nathan Kemp

It's hard to imagine that a move to Feilding from the cafe set of Ponsonby could reverse New Zealand rugby's player drain.

But for former Aucklander Nathan Kemp, captaining Manawatu against the Lions may just be the hooker's first step in reigniting his domestic rugby career.

He had planned to head overseas at the end of this year, after turning out 90-odd times for his Ponsonby club, 10 times for Auckland and eight times for the Blues.

With All Blacks Keven Mealamu and Australian-born Derren Witcombe ahead of him for Auckland starts, Kemp, 26, decided to join his mates, pick up a premiership rugby contract if possible and enjoy his OE.

That was before his old coach Charlie McAlister took over Manawatu and the province crept into next year's premier grade as part of the restructuring of the National Provincial Championship.

Kemp will still travel after this year's NPC, but he will try to secure a contract in Spain or Italy, where the rugby is perhaps less vigorous and the lifestyle sweeter.

Then, if Manawatu ask, he will come home and a good season could open the door to a fresh Super 14 contract, perhaps with local franchise the Hurricanes.

"It never really worried me, not starting a lot of games for Auckland," he said.

"I just wanted to enjoy my rugby and I thought, I've waited around long enough, I want to go overseas now ...

"With Super 12 the door is never shut, especially in the Hurricanes region and with us playing premier division."

Kemp moved to the Manawatu in February but he hasn't given up all thoughts of a return to rugby up north, in part because there are a couple of items of clothing he wants to pick up. Another eight games and he'll have earned his Ponsonby blazer.

Four more games for Auckland, and he'll get one of theirs as well.