ESPN REPORT: The New Zealand head coach is being fired due to…
The scrum-half chose not to wait until the Rugby World Cup of 2027, citing the financial certainty that was being offered in Japanv as an allure.
When the 32-year-old signs a three-year contract with Black Rams Tokyo, it will practically be the end of his international career.
Scott Robertson can still use Perenara for the remainder of the campaign, but starting in 2025, the All Blacks head coach will be without his most seasoned half-back.
The Hurricanes playmaker said that while New Zealand Rugby did make a compelling offer, it was just too good to pass up the opportunity in Asia, which came with an additional year.
“Long-term protection”
When asked whether the decision would have been different had the governing body offered a longer term, Perenara responded to reporters, “Maybe – I don’t know because the offer [to 2027] wasn’t there.” “We received an incredible offer from NZ Rugby for the year 2026.
However, the club’s long-term stability through 2027, as well as its potential and future direction, greatly delighted me and are things I truly want to be a part of.
Consequently, I’m not sure [whether I would have stayed]. Undoubtedly, that would have complicated the choice.
Legend of the All Blacks supports Scott Robertson’s “ballsy” choice as head coach looks for the “next Aaron Smith.”
Perenara, who is still an integral component of the All Blacks lineup, was included in the Rugby Championship team along with youthful half-backs Cortez Ratima and Noah Hotham.
Robertson will have enough of skilled playmakers to choose from when he returns from injury, especially with Cam Roigard in the mix.
Perenara claimed that the 32-year-old had left for family reasons alone, despite the possibility that he had been forced out in any case.
“I have a lot of faith in my abilities and I know I can push other half-backs in the nation to be the best half-backs we have,” he declared.
“We certainly have a lot of depth there, but family security was a major factor for us. For us, a major reason was that we didn’t have three years here in New Zealand when the opportunity to sign a three-year deal in Japan presented itself.
“After that, we’ve been discussing the scope of my career, so the chance to go there, spend these three years, hopefully perform exceptionally well with the team and grow it into more, and then there are some steps after my playing career hopefully there as well.”
Rejecting the option to play in the World Cup, Perenara made his Test debut in July 2024 against the All Blacks XV, his first since November 2022, when he suffered a ruptured Achilles.
He was unable to compete in the Rugby World Cup due to an injury. He was consequently tempted to go for Australia in 2027, but he was unable to pass up this chance in Japan, and he is now at peace with his decision.
“Our family was very excited about the long-term security in Japan, but another major reason we wanted to stay was our push for a World Cup possibility. That was crucial to us because we had two small children,” he remarked.
Although the World Cup played a role, the timing and the opportunity exceeded the cost.
“I do back that myself,” Perenara continued, “and I think I’m playing some of the best footy of my career right now too.” Walking away today was challenging, but I’ve always wanted to do it on my own terms.
“At the end of my career, I never want to look back and say, ‘Man, you stayed too long,’ or ‘You were pushed out.’” I would want to reflect on it later and consider the possibility that I went a little too soon.
