TJ Perenara acknowledges that the financial stability offered in Japan was a significant factor in his decision to not wait until the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The 32-year-old has opted to conclude his international career by signing a three-year contract with Black Rams Tokyo.
Perenara will still be available to Scott Robertson for the remainder of the current campaign, but the All Blacks head coach will lose his most seasoned scrum-half from 2025 onward.
Despite a compelling offer from New Zealand Rugby, the extended deal in Asia, which included an extra year, proved too enticing for the Hurricanes playmaker to decline.
“Maybe – I don’t know because the offer [to 2027] wasn’t there,” Perenara explained when asked if a longer contract from New Zealand Rugby would have influenced his decision. “We had an offer [from NZ Rugby] to 2026, which was an awesome offer as well.”
“But that long-term security to 2027 and the potential of the club [in Japan] and where the club is headed is something that really excited me and something I want to be a part of,” he continued. “So, I don’t know [if I would have stayed]. It definitely would have made the decision harder.”
Perenara remains a crucial part of the All Blacks lineup and has been named in the squad for the upcoming Rugby Championship, alongside young half-backs Cortez Ratima and Noah Hotham. With Cam Roigard also in the mix once he returns from injury, there are plenty of promising playmakers for Robertson to consider.
While acknowledging the depth of talent in the half-back position, Perenara emphasized that family considerations were the primary reason for his move. “I’m really confident in my ability to push other half-backs in the country to be the best half-back we’ve got,” he said.
“But for us, a big reason was security as a family. The opportunity to sign a three-year deal in Japan presented itself, and we didn’t have three years here in New Zealand, so that was a big factor for us.”
He added, “The scope of what my career looks like post-playing is something we’ve been discussing. The opportunity to go to Japan, perform well with the club over these three years, and hopefully extend my career there is something we’re looking forward to.”
Source: Planet Rugby
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