(Reuters) – All Blacks scrumhalf TJ Perenara will leave New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and the Wellington Hurricanes at the end of 2024 after signing a three year deal with Japan League One side Black Rams Tokyo, NZR said on Friday.
The 32-year-old debuted for the All Blacks in 2014 and lifted the Rugby World Cup a year later. Perenara has earned 81 test caps over a decade and is set to play in the Rugby Championship for six tests against Argentina, South Africa, and Australia.
“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 said in a statement.
“It’s an exciting time to be involved with a new coaching group and the motivation to represent New Zealand is as strong now as it was when I made my debut.”
New Zealand begin their Rugby Championship title defence with two matches against Argentina on Aug. 10 and Aug. 17.
“TJ’s service to the game in New Zealand has been immense, from his time in club rugby through to the NPC and into Super Rugby and the All Blacks, he’s given everything regardless of the jersey,” NZR CEO Mark Robinson said.
“He will certainly leave with our thanks and best wishes to him and his family in Japan.”
Perenara won the Super Rugby Pacific title with the Hurricanes in 2016 and later became their most capped player with 163 games. He also holds the record for the most tries in Super Rugby, having scored 63 since his debut in 2012.
“For us, he’s set the standard on and off the field around preparation and how competitive you need to be to win. He’s been a major driving force of this team,” Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw said.
(Reporting by Shifa Jahan in Bengaluru; Editing by Christian Schmollinger)
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