TJ Perenara announces move to Japan from 2025

All Blacks halfback TJ Perenara has confirmed he will depart New Zealand rugby at the end of 2024 after signing a three year deal to play in Japan League One.

Perenara said he was excited about a new chapter for himself and his family, but remained fully focused on representing the All Blacks through the 2024 Test season.

“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. 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 more than a decade ago.”

A Rugby World Cup winner in 2015, Perenara made his All Blacks debut at Eden Park in 2014 as a 22-year-old and ten years later has the chance to add to 81 Test caps after being named in the Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship squad for six Tests against Argentina, South Africa and Australia.

However, his move to Japan will spell the end of his time with the Hurricanes and Wellington Lions, who he debuted for as an 18-year-old while still at Mana College. The loyal Northern United Rugby Club player went on to become the Hurricanes most capped player of all time on 163 games and Super Rugby’s record try scorer with 63 tries since making his debut in 2012. He was also an integral part of winning the Super Rugby title with the Hurricanes in 2016.

"I’m incredibly grateful for the journey I've had with the Hurricanes. Each experience has shaped me, and the unwavering support from our fans has made it even more special. Thank you for being behind me every step of the way.”    

New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson said:

“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. We look forward to seeing him continue with the All Blacks through 2024 and he will certainly leave with our thanks and best wishes to him and his family in Japan.”

Hurricanes Head Coach Clark Laidlaw said he was sad to see Perenara leave, but acknowledged the legacy he would leave behind.   

“I’m not sure there’s enough we could say about TJ. An amazing rugby player, an amazing man, that is a true legend of the Hurricanes club. I remember way back, watching him play for the Hurricanes schools when he was 17. It's incredible to see where he is now, having won a Championship with the club, the top try-scorer and the most capped Hurricane in history. 

“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. We’ll miss him, but we genuinely wish him, Greer and the family all the best in Japan.”  

TJ Perenara is retiring from the Canes and will be heading offshore to play in Japan at the end of 2024. Ngā mihi nui for everything, TJ! 🖤💛🌪️ pic.twitter.com/n1Hrf24SoR

— Hurricanes Rugby (@Hurricanesrugby) August 2, 2024

Hurricanes CEO, Avan Lee said.

“We’re really going to miss TJ. He’s been such a key part of our team and has given so much to the Hurricanes over his 12 years with us. We want to thank TJ for everything he’s done for the team and for our fans. We wish him and his family all the best as they start their new adventure in Japan.” 

WRFU CEO Tony Giles said:

“We want to thank TJ for everything he’s done for Wellington Rugby. His dedication, leadership, and passion have truly set a high bar at both the club and provincial levels. It’s tough to see him go, but we’re grateful for the incredible impact he’s made and all the moments he’s given us. TJ has really been the heart of Wellington Rugby, and his legacy will continue to inspire us.”