TJ Perenara has backed up his desire to see a first gay All Black, following last month's interview with Express Magazine.
Perenara, 27, last month came out as a strong advocate of the LGBTQIA+ community , stating that rugby was ready for a first gay All Black.
As the team arrived back into New Zealand today from the Rugby World Cup in Japan, Perenara was asked about the reaction to his initial interview.
"I spoke to Express Magazine a few months ago, and just had an open conversation about where I feel things stand, my opinion on it," Perenara said.
"I'm content with that. I'm very, very happy with that interview."
As for the possibility of a gay All Black in the future, Perenara says that he's uncertain of when any player would feel safe enough to come out.
"I'm unsure when it will happen.
"I hope that we're at a spot that - when it does happen - it's a situation that's welcomed by everyone, and that it's OK.
"That's the environment that we want as All Blacks. That's the environment that we should strive for as New Zealanders - that people can be themselves in whatever environment they choose to succeed in."
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