TJ Perenara set to re-sign with New Zealand Rugby – report

Injured Hurricanes halfback and 80-Test All Blacks veteran TJ Perenara is set to re-sign with New Zealand Rugby on a two-year deal.

According to Newshub’s Ollie Ritchie, Perenara has “knocked back overseas offers” to stay in New Zealand until the end of 2026.

Perenara, who ruptured his Achilles during the dying stages of last year’s dramatic draw with England at Twickenham, apparently has a “burning desire” to don the coveted black jersey again.

“Getting a taste of Test match rugby again at the end of the year definitely poured a bit of fuel back onto that fire,” Perenara told Newshub earlier in 2023.

“I honestly believe I’ve got a lot more to give.

“My desire to compete on the world stage is stronger than it has been for a long time.”

The All Blacks have some world-class halfbacks at their disposal at the moment, but the makeup of the national squad will look a bit different after this year’s Rugby World Cup.

Legendary halfback Aaron Smith will play his last Test for New Zealand at the World Cup, and Brad Weber is also set for another challenge overseas – signing for Stade Francais in France.

But even with 80 Test matches to his name, Perenara faces an uphill battle in order to return to the international arena.

Rising star Cam Roigard made the No. 9 jersey his own during Perenara’s absence at the Hurricanes, and appears likely to retain that role moving forward.

But Perenara isn’t going down without a fight.

“I know my body, I understand how my body works, it’s feeling good now,” he also told Newshub.

“I feel really confident about my recovery.

“I love the challenge of trying to wake up and be better than I was the day before, that could be one thing, like today I’m walking better than I walked yesterday and it’s starting to become more natural.”