'To be honest, I hated rugby': How the nephew of TJ Perenara ended up at the Blues

The 2024 NPC final was a bittersweet occasion for new Blues singing Reon Paul.

The Bay of Plenty winger received his blazer after representing the province for the 15th time.

Unfortunately, his Steamers were tipped over by the Wellington Lions – a team Paul could have played for – in extra time.

“I’ll never get over that game. There’s no doubt it will pop up every year on the highlights,” Paul told RugbyPass.

“I was on track for this big fairytale, coming home to win a championship in front of family and friends. It wasn’t to be.

“I guess if you’re going to lose a final then you might as well lose it the way we did by leaving it all out there.

“It was a special day because Mum and Dad were in the same room for the first time in ages. They haven’t been on the best terms my whole life but to get my blazer from them and even hear dad say a few words was special.”

Paul was born in Wellington and raised in various parts of the capital most comfortably settling in Kapiti Crescent, Titahi Bay where he jumped between three houses including the residence of his uncle, All Blacks halfback TJ Perenara.

“I lived all over but I consider Porirua home. Kapiti Crescent was awesome, a tight-knit community where there was always food next door.

“I grew up playing rugby league and basketball. To be honest I hated rugby.

“It wasn’t until I went to Rongotai College that I started playing rugby. Everyone played rugby so I was left with no choice.

“I made the First XV in Year 11 and played in midfield. I buggered my ankle at the Condor Sevens. It was one of those niggly injuries that took ages to recover from so I didn’t really do anything until Year 13.

In 2019 Paul was captain of Rongotai who enjoyed their best season for almost two decades. St Patrick’s College Silverstream was foiled for just the 18th time since 1957 while fiercest Wellington College was stunned for the first time since 2003.

The Rongotai coach that season was Justin Gray.

“Reon was very driven and was always looking at ways to learn and improve especially as rugby was relatively new to him.  Due to his ongoing injury, I think we only saw glimpses of what he was capable of but we all knew his potential. We’re excited to see where and how far his involvement in rugby will go,” Gray said.

Paul made a dramatic change to his life in 2019.

“In my last year of college, I moved in permanently with TJ. I wanted to observe the lifestyle of a professional athlete, ask questions and become a better person. I credit much of my success today to the lessons of that time.”

Paul was a member of the Wellington Rugby Academy and even played with Perenara in a club match for Northern United in 2021. He scored three tries in a 54-24 win over Wainuiomata.

 

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Following strong displays for the Wellington Centurions, a Wellington Lions debut was imminent. Then it wasn’t.

“I was told Wellington was pleased with me. Then Campbell Woodmass tipped me off that I’d finally get an opportunity against Manawatu. I told my family, including Dad up the far North who arranged to come down. Then nothing happened, which was disappointing,” Paul reflected.

“There was a lot of depth in my position and I started to think I might be better off elsewhere. I was playing to make the rep side rather than for the fun of the game.

Paul used his connections to settle in the Bay of Plenty. In 2022 he helped the Mount Maunganui Marlins win the senior championship, facetiming his Norths friends in Wellington who won the Jubilee Cup on the same day.

His Bay of Plenty debut was in a 38-35 victory over Hawkes Bay in 2023. He ironically scored his first Steamers try against Wellington the following week.

In 2024 Paul played ten out of a possible 12 matches and scored the winning try in a narrow success against North Harbour. Shifted from midfield to wing, Paul was liberated with extra space and showcased some compelling power.

He was offered a wider training group contact with the Chiefs, the Blues had greater ambitions for Paul offering the 23-year-old a full-time contract.

“They were after a power winger which suited their style. They’ve already got All Blacks Mark Telea and Caleb Clarke who are among the best in the world. They’re hoping my youth can add something in the future,” Paul said.

“My goal in 2025 is to learn as much as possible and take any opportunities that come.”