TJ is back: Halfback Perenara grateful for All Blacks return

TJ Perenara has been named as halfback in the 2024 All Blacks squad, and he’s grateful to be back.

“It’s pretty special," he told 1News after yesterday's squad naming.

“There was a lot of work that went in to just getting back out on the field, so to have the opportunity to be back in the All Blacks is something I’m really proud of.”

His wife Greer was "super proud" of recall, and had been there through all the ups and downs. He didn't tell his parents before the announcement, wanting them to find out as his name was read aloud.

He already has 80 tests under his belt, playing in the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cups.

After rupturing his Achilles in 2022, Perenara was forced to take a year-long hiatus in order to recover from the injury, undergoing two surgeries and months of rehab.

He says there was a moment when he didn’t know if he would ever return to the top level.

“Things just weren’t getting better and I was just like, man it’s not going to get back to the level I need it to get back to.”

After extensive training and rehab, the halfback has been back in welcome form this season as a part of the Hurricanes squad, making it to the semifinals of Super Rugby Pacific.

“I just love playing this game so much and each time I get the opportunity to play, I’m so grateful for it.”

Perenara says he is excited to get back on the field and is keen to see what the new coaching team has to offer.

“I think we’ve got a really good management team. We were at camp last week and the way we want to play is the style of footy that I really enjoy too.”

The All Blacks’ first test match for 2024 is against England on July 6 in Dunedin.

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