All Blacks and Hurricanes veteran halfback TJ Perenara will leave New Zealand Rugby at the end of 2024 after signing a three year deal to play in Japan League One.
A Rugby World Cup winner in 2015, Perenara made his All Blacks debut at Eden Park in 2014 as a 22-year-old and 10 years later is still among the premier number nines in the country.
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Perenara spent the majority of his test career in the shadow of incumbent Aaron Smith, before being named to start in Scott Robertson's first test in charge following Smith's retirement.
However, just before halftime, he suffered an injury which forced him from the field.
Though set to return for the Rugby Championship, competition for the jersey with rising stars Noah Hotham, Cortez Ratima and Cam Roigard all having made their mark in black.
Perenara said he was excited about a new chapter for himself and his family, but remained fully focused on representing the All Blacks through the 2024 Test season.
"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. 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."
New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson expressed his gratitude to the longevity of Perenarea.
“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.”
Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw said he was sad to see Perenara leave, but acknowledged the legacy he would leave behind.
“I’m not sure there’s enough we could say about TJ. An amazing rugby player, an amazing man, that is a true legend of the Hurricanes club. I remember way back, watching him play for the Hurricanes schools when he was 17. It's incredible to see where he is now, having won a Championship with the club, the top try-scorer and the most capped Hurricane in history.
“For us, he’s set the standard on and off the field around preparation and how competitive you need to be to win. He’s been a major driving force of this team. We’ll miss him, but we genuinely wish him, Greer and the family all the best in Japan.”
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