All Blacks scrum-half TJ Perenara signs three-year deal with Black Rams Tokyo
TJ Perenara has played 81 Tests for New Zealand
©PA
All Blacks scrum-half TJ Perenara will be heading overseas to Japan at the end of the year after signing a three-year deal with Black Rams Tokyo.
Perenara will be available for the All Blacks for the entire 2024 season following which he will be competing in the Japan League One thereby ending his 12-year association with Hurricanes.
He made his debut at the age of 18 for Wellington in 2010 and was part of the side that clinched the Super Rugby title in 2016. He also has scored 73 tries for the club since 2012 which is the most for any player.
The 32-year-old made his All Blacks debut in 2014 and has played 81 Tests for the side and was part of the 2015 Rugby World Cup winning side.
“I’m grateful for every opportunity in the black jersey and as long as I can I’ll keep competing and contributing to the All Blacks," he told the All Blacks official website.
"It’s an exciting time to be involved with a new coaching group and the motivation to represent New Zealand is as strong now as it was when I made my debut more than a decade ago.
"I’m incredibly grateful for the journey I've had with the Hurricanes. Each experience has shaped me, and the unwavering support from our fans has made it even more special. Thank you for being behind me every step of the way.”
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson thanked Perenara for his contribution and is hoping to see him finish strongly this year with the All Blacks.
“TJ’s service to the game in New Zealand has been immense, from his time in club rugby through to the NPC and into Super Rugby and the All Blacks, he’s given everything regardless of the jersey. We look forward to seeing him continue with the All Blacks through 2024 and he will certainly leave with our thanks and best wishes to him and his family in Japan.”
