All Black scrumhalf TJ Perenara poised for Japan move

All Blacks and Hurricanes scrumhalf TJ Perenara is on the verge of signing a deal to join a Japanese side for the 2021 Top League season as part of a lucrative rugby sabbatical.

A report by Stuff.co.nz, the Hurricanes have insisted that the 28-year-old has not put pen to paper on the deal but sources with knowledge of talks told Stuff that his signing is imminent.

The move would mean Perenara would miss the 2021 Super Rugby Aotearoa season but like Beauden Barrett's deal, Perenara could return for All Blacks internationals, with Japan’s Top League scheduled to run from January to May. 

A spokesman from the Hurricanes told Stuff “There has been interest, which is not unusual for TJ, but nothing has been signed.”

Perenara has drawn the attention of a number of clubs in Japan but according to the report NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes in Osaka are leading the race for his signature. 

The side coached by former Lions and Gloucester coach Johan Ackerman recently confirmed the signings of Springbok wing Makazole Mapimpi as well as former Chiefs and Crusaders fullback Tom Marshall. 

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