To play in Japan, All Black TJ Perenara gets a three-year contract.
At the end of the year, the 32-year-old, who has participated in 81 Test matches, will sign with Black Rams Tokyo of Japan League One. Perenara is a member of the New Zealand rugby team. On August 10 in Wellington, the All Blacks will play Argentina in their opening game of the Rugby Championship. His 12-year stint with the Wellington Hurricanes of Super Rugby comes to an end with his move to Japan.
Perenara released a statement saying, “I’m excited to start a new journey with the Black Rams Tokyo in Japan.” “It’s a new chapter for my family and I, after an incredible 12 years with the Hurricanes.” In 2014, Perenara made her All Blacks debut. A year later, she was a member of the team that won the Rugby World Cup. After more than a year off due to an Achilles tendon injury, he pushed his way back into the New Zealand team for the Test series victory over England last month.
“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,” Perenara told the media. With 63 touchdowns for the Hurricanes since 2012, Perenara currently holds the record for most Super Rugby tries. He was also a major contributor to the group’s 2016 championship run. While acknowledging the legacy the scrum-half leaves behind, Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw expressed his sadness at Perenara’s departure.
“For us, he’s set the standard on and off the field around preparation and how competitive you need to be to win,” Laidlaw said. “He has been this team’s main source of motivation. We shall miss him.