TJ Perenara was approached by NRL side Sydney Roosters about switching to rugby league; the All Blacks scrum-half will remain in rugby union after signing new contract with New Zealand Rugby and the Hurricanes until 2023
Monday 10 May 2021 10:18, UK
TJ Perenara has re-signed with New Zealand Rugby and the Hurricanes until 2023 after deciding against a switch to rugby league.
The All Blacks scrum-half, who has completed a stint in Japan's Top League, confirmed his interest in switching code last month after an approach from Sydney Roosters in the National Rugby League.
Perenara, 29, played 140 games for the Hurricanes since making his Super Rugby debut in 2012, making him the most-capped player of the Wellington-based side, which he left last year.
"My wife and I have decided to come back to the Hurricanes and New Zealand Rugby for the next two and a half years," Perenara said on social media.
"We're really looking forward to seeing everyone back home and thanks to the Hurricanes and New Zealand Rugby for allowing me the opportunity to come home and do what I love."
Perenara won the World Cup with the All Blacks in 2015 and the Super Rugby title with the Hurricanes the following year.
"He has been part of New Zealand rugby for more than a decade and I'm sure his Japanese experience has grown him as a person," said Chris Lendrum of NZR.
"We look forward to seeing him on his return."
