All Blacks
TJ Perenara

PLAYER PROFILE

TJ Perenara

Halfback

KEY STATS
UPDATED
AGE
32
WEIGHT
90KG
HEIGHT
184CM
GAMES
88
POINTS
80
TRIES
16
CONV
0
PEN
0
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BIOGRAPHY

A LIVEWIRE halfback and extraordinary scavenger of the ball, the competitive Thomas “TJ” Perenara has been at the top of his game for close to a decade.

An All Blacks debut was some time coming for Perenara, who was named in two squads and spent time on the bench in 2013 before he finally got the chance to make his debut in 2014.

Perenara’s powerful pass and his attacking abilities – in particular, his ability to spot and take gaps in opposition defensive lines – are a key asset.

His outstanding potential was first spotted at secondary school level, and he has always made the most of his opportunities, whether with Wellington, the Hurricanes or the All Blacks.

While at Mana College in Wellington, Perenara was part of the New Zealand Schools side in 2009 and 2010 and made his debut for the Wellington Lions. He won the 2011 Junior World Championship with New Zealand Under 20, alongside several of his All Blacks teammates.

Perenara had a hugely satisfying 2016 with regular Tests under his belt and a Super Rugby Champions medal hanging up at home.

In October 2017, Perenara announced his long-term commitment to NZ Rugby by signing through to 2021.

In 2020, Perenara earned the starting halfback role for the North in the highly anticipated Steinlager North v South clash.

He took a sabbatical in Japan in 2021 before returning to the All Blacks squad for the Bledisloe Cup and Rugby Championship.

TJ Perenara news

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Sam Cane Reveals Special Advice from Fellow All Blacks Centurion
Neither former captain Sam Cane and halfback TJ Perenara know if the 33-13 Lipovitan D Rugby Championship Test win over Australia was their last appearance for the All Blacks, but they are delighted to have been part of a winning effort in their final Test on New Zealand soil.
Perenara Backs NZ's Next Generation of Halfbacks Ahead of His Wellington Farewell
All Blacks halfback TJ Perenara paid tribute to flanker and former captain Sam Cane, with whom he will play his last Test in New Zealand in the Lipovitan D Rugby Championship Test in Wellington on Saturday.
Perenara and Barrett reunite for one last ride in Wellington
Two long-time performers on Wellington's SKY Stadium, halfback TJ Perenara and first five-eighths Beauden Barrett, are paired for the final time in an All Blacks Test in New Zealand in the Lipovitan D Rugby Championship Test against Australia on Saturday.
Confidence boost for the All Blacks ahead of South African tour
Taking their opportunities and thriving in the wet conditions allowed the All Blacks a confidence-boosting 42-10 win over Argentina ahead of their next Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship assignment – two Tests in South Africa.
Perenara eyes coaching future with shift to Japan
All Blacks halfback TJ Perenara's move to Japan at the end of the 2024 season is motivated by his desire to pursue a post-playing career.
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.
PREVIEW: All Blacks v England (Dunedin)
The All Blacks kick off their 2024 campaign with a highly anticipated clash against England in the opening Steinlager Ultra Low Carb Test of the year under the roof in Dunedin.
Perenara claims Super Rugby try-scoring record
DHL Super Rugby Pacific's leading individual try scorer, Hurricanes halfback TJ Perenara, said he has been driven more by getting onto the field this season than worrying about personal records.
Recovery, Rivalry, and Redemption: TJ Perenara's Comeback Story
Recovering from the Achilles tendon injury he suffered in the 25-25 draw with England at the end of 2022, halfback TJ Perenara has signalled that regaining his All Blacks jersey is his long-term goal.
Strong first half propels Māori All Blacks to victory
The Māori All Blacks have taken yet another international scalp after downing Ireland 32-17 in Hamilton to open the inbound tour.
Weber and Perenara ready to lead the Māori All Blacks
Disappointed at missing selection for the All Blacks, a more mature and philosophical Brad Weber is looking forward to leading the Māori All Blacks in partnership with fellow unwanted halfback TJ Perenara, against Ireland in Hamilton on Wednesday.
TJ Perenara and Julian Savea close in on try-scoring record
Hurricanes duo TJ Perenara and Julian Savea are locked in a two-horse race to become the leading try-scorer in Super Rugby history in 2022.
All Blacks focus on Ireland’s current threats - Perenara
Focusing on Ireland's threat now rather than looking to past defeats for inspiration was on the All Blacks minds ahead of Sunday's (NZT) Test in Dublin.
Familiar faces set to line up against the All Blacks
Familiar faces appear certain to line out for Ireland against the All Blacks in Sunday's (NZT) Test in Dublin.
Perenara reflects on rugby journey with Beauden Barrett
Satisfaction at being part of a record-equalling 54-16 win over Wales was not confined to the game for All Blacks halfback TJ Perenara.
All Blacks run riot in final quarter against Wales
Fourth-quarter pressure has long been an issue for Wales teams playing the All Blacks and it proved the case again as New Zealand ran up a 54–16 win at the Principality Stadium on Sunday (NZT).
PREVIEW: All Blacks v South Africa (100th Test)
It has been a long time coming but the All Blacks and South Africa will finally meet in their historic 100th Test, two years on from the last clash between the sides at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.
All Blacks named for historic 100th Test against South Africa
The All Blacks team has been named to play in the historic 100th Test match against South Africa in the Fortinet Rugby Championship at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville, on Saturday 25 September (Kick-off: 5.05PM AEST, 7.05PM NZT).
De Klerk looks forward to tussle with Perenara
Aaron Smith may be missing from the All Blacks, but his Springbok halfback rival Faf de Klerk says TJ Perenara will be just as strong in Saturday's Fortinet Rugby Championship Test in Townsville.
Perenara finds the right life-rugby balance
All Blacks halfback TJ Perenara believes his Japanese experience has been a source of rugby enlightenment and has changed his perspective and appreciation for the game.

TJ Perenara Videos

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INSIDE All Blacks camp under Razor 👀 | England Test | Together We Walk
An EXCLUSIVE look inside All Blacks camp under new head coach Scott Robertson…
Māori All Blacks | TJ Perenara at Captain's Run (Wellington)
Hear from Māori All Blacks Kāpene Paheko (co-captain) TJ Perenara ahead of…
Māori All Blacks: TJ Perenara Press Conference
Hear from TJ Perenara who has been named in the Māori All Blacks squad for the…
Ask the All Blacks: USA Edition
Find out what the lads are looking forward to doing in USA!
Let's get vaccinated Aotearoa
Hear from the All Blacks about why they have got vaccinated from Covid-19.