Ex-All Black Kerr-Barlow wants to stay in Top 14 after La Rochelle exit

Former New Zealand scrumhalf Tawera Kerr-Barlow said on Thursday he wants to remain in the French Top 14 after his La Rochelle deal finishes at the end of the season.

Kerr-Barlow, 34, has won the Champions Cup twice since joining the club in 2017 but is unlikely to be offered a new contract.

Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle have signed young France scrum-half Nolann Le Garrec for next term as Kerr-Barlow's replacement.

"I think it's going to be my last season with La Rochelle," Kerr-Barlow told reporters.

"After that, I don't know, I'm not in the conversation.

"Whatever happens, I will continue to play rugby, in the Top 14 for another club," he added.

Former Chiefs half-back Kerr-Barlow has missed three of his side's four games this season with a minor thigh injury suffered in round one.

He is set to return for Saturday's game with Lyon.

"I've been disappointed with not playing since but I could have made things worse by playing," Kerr-Barlow said.

"I can't wait to play with La Rochelle again. The motivation is there," he added.