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Perenara's All Blacks return up in air after Bledisloe recall

August 6, 2021

The halfback said his goal is to prove to himself he can still play rugby at the highest level.

TJ Perenara could be in line for a sudden return to international rugby after being recalled to the All Blacks’ wider training squad for tomorrow’s Bledisloe Cup opener in Auckland.

Perenara was named in Ian Foster’s squad for this year’s Bledisloe Cup and Rugby Championship but had been released to play provincial rugby this week as he continues to readjust following a short stint in Japan earlier this year.

As such, Perenara was set to play for Wellington in their NPC match against Northland tomorrow in the capital but has instead flown back to Auckland to potentially cover Blues halfback Finlay Christie.

The All Blacks said in a short statement this afternoon Christie suffered a shoulder injury while training yesterday. 

Perenara had Ihumātao written on his wristband in Saturday night's Bledisloe Test to show his backing of the protest.

Medical staff are assessing Christie’s fitness but have recalled Perenara as cover for the reserve halfback position. Aaron Smith is starting in the No.9 jersey tomorrow night in his 100 th Test, while Brad Weber has been named to the bench.

After turning down a serious offer to swap codes and join the NRL, Perenara recently re-signed with New Zealand Rugby. His last All Blacks cap was last November when he came off the bench in a 38-0 win over Argentina.

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