New Zealand Rugby has announced TJ Perenara re-signed following his stint in Japan, but it has lost the services of another high-profile All Blacks back.
Perenara has completed his time with the NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes in Japan’s Top League following their quarter-final loss this past weekend and will return to New Zealand.
After being heavily linked with a move to rugby league, the 2015 World Cup winner has decided to extend his contract with NZR and the Hurricanes through until 2023.
The 29-year-old announced his re-signing on social media, saying: ‘My wife and I have decided to come back to the Hurricanes and New Zealand Rugby for the next two and a half years. We’re really excited at the journey … really looking forward to seeing everyone back home and thanks to the Hurricanes and New Zealand Rugby for allowing me the opportunity to come home and do what I love.’
Perenara has played 69 Tests for the All Blacks since making his debut in 2014, scoring 14 tries. He is the most-capped Hurricane of all time and has played 140 games for the Wellington-based team since making his Super Rugby debut in 2012.
While retaining Perenara will be welcome news for New Zealand fans, it has been offset by the loss of another All Blacks back in Ngani Laumape.
Laumape was announced as a new signing by French Top 14 side Stade Francais as part of a raft of new recruits for next season.
The 26-year-old was also part of the Hurricanes’ Super Rugby title-winning season in 2016, after making the move from the NRL.
Laumape has featured for the All Blacks over the past few years, but has struggled to earn a place as the team’s first-choice centre, making just 15 appearances since his debut in 2017.
Nevertheless, his Super Rugby form makes his signing a major coup for Stade Francais, who count the likes of Argentina international Marcos Kremer, Australia wing Sefa Naivalu and France flyhalf Joris Segonds in their squad.
Photo: Ross Setford/REUTERS
