Hurricanes halfback TJ Perenara Photo: © Copyright Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz Photosport Ltd 2019
TJ Perenara, the first player to reach 150 games for the Hurricanes, has recommitted to the club and New Zealand Rugby for a further two years, through until the end of 2025.
After recommiting to the Hurricanes for 2024 and 2025 the 31-year-old Perenara said: "I'm excited to re-sign with the Hurricanes and New Zealand Rugby. This last year has been tough missing out through injury, so having the opportunity to come back and play for the teams that I love, was an opportunity I couldn't pass up."
Since a memorable hat-trick on debut in 2012, the then 20-year-old quickly became a Hurricanes fan favourite, nailing down the number nine jersey.
Alongside his 150 matches for the Hurricanes, Perenara, of Ngati Rangatihi descent, has made 80 appearances for the All Blacks and has represented the Māori All Blacks and All Blacks XV.
Hurricanes CEO, Avan Lee said he was thrilled to retain the halfback for the next two seasons.
"TJ is a really important person within the Hurricanes. He has grown into an excellent leader and he has so much passion for the jersey and club. We are delighted that he has extended his time with us."
A Super Rugby champion in 2016, Perenara spent 2021 in Japan with NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes and led the side to the quarter-finals of the then, Japan Top League.
Returning to New Zealand, he quickly re-established himself in the All Blacks set up although he hasn't played since a Achilles tendon injury suffered late last year which looks set to rule him out of this year's Rugby World Cup in France.
31-year-old Perenara has played 150 games for the Hurricanes, scoring 292 points. He is the second most-capped Hurricane, has won a Rugby World Cup, alongside Super Rugby and an NPC title with the Wellington Lions.
- RNZ