All Blacks: TJ Perenara’s candid response about international retirement call

Although he is set to play in his final Test for the All Blacks on New Zealand soil this weekend, TJ Perenara has revealed that he has no regrets about his decision to retire from international rugby.

The veteran scrum-half is set to leave New Zealand at the end of this year after it was announced last month that he will further his career with Japan Rugby League One outfit Ricoh Black Rams.

With 86 Test appearances under his belt, Perenara is one of the most experienced players in the current All Blacks squad and is in his 10th year of international rugby after making his Test debut against England in Auckland in 2014.

Due to New Zealand Rugby’s current selection policies, a player cannot represent the All Blacks while contracted to a team based outside the country, which means Perenara’s Test career will come conclude at the end of 2024 if he is named in their squad for their end-of-year tour to Europe and Japan.

Looking forward to last All Blacks appearance in New Zealand

The 32-year-old admitted that he is looking forward to Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash against the Wallabies at Sky Stadium in Wellington – a venue which has special memories for Perenara as a Hurricanes and All Blacks player.

“It’s pretty cool that the last Test in New Zealand this year is at home,” he told reporters. “Obviously I’m going overseas at the end of the year.

“So the opportunity to represent the country is not there again after this year. So to have the last one and to be playing the last one at home is pretty cool.”

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Perenara reminisced about his Test debut which took place just over a decade ago when he came off the bench in the All Blacks’ 20-15 victory over the Red Rose at Eden Park.

“It might have been for Malakai Fekitoa as well. I think we debuted on the same day,” he said. “So fond memories of that, seeing my family right after the game.

“And to be able to have them at my last game in New Zealand would be pretty cool as well.”

No regrets about international retirement

When asked if he has any regrets about leaving New Zealand, Perenara replied: “No, not at this stage. I think when you look back on your career later on, you might have some, you might not.

“But I’m content with my decision. I’m looking forward to obviously playing this game and whatever the rest of the year holds. But then getting over to Japan and spending more time with my family and playing in the competition over there as well is something I’m looking forward to.”

Perenara is set to line up with his long-time Hurricanes and All Blacks half-back partner Beauden Barrett in Saturday’s clash with Australia and said he is looking forward to the experience.

“It will be cool. When they named the team the other day, and saw Baz’s name at 10, we played a lot of games as nine and 10 for the Hurricanes and a lot in the stadium together,” he added.

“So to be able to go out there with my bro at 10 is something I’m excited for and something I’ll cherish.”

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