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“I just wanted to send a massive hello to all the Hurricane fans here in New Zealand,” says Perenara.
“For the last 10 years, I have been going to work every day to put on a show for you and make sure that the product that we put out into the field is something that everyone enjoys.
“This is not the end of my time in New Zealand, but I am looking forward to an exciting challenge with the Red Hurricanes in Japan – a new team, a new group of players and a new group of coaches.
“I am very excited about that adventure for me and my family, and it is something we really look forward to.
“To all the Red Hurricanes fans, I can’t wait to put on a show for your club.”
The combative No.9 has played 140 games for his beloved Hurricanes and was a key part of the victorious Super Rugby campaign in 2016.
NZ Rugby general manager of performance and professional rugby, Chris Lendrum, says Perenara’s move makes sense at this point in his career.
“TJ has been a longtime and loyal New Zealand Rugby player for a decade, so the opportunity for him to take a break from playing here to experience playing in Japan is positive for him and his family,” Lendrum says.
“We wish him and his wife Greer all the best and will welcome him when he returns.”
Lendrum says that NZR will initiate contract extension talks with the Perenara management in due course.
Join us on October 31 for live updates on Round 3 of the Bledisloe All Blacks v Wallabies Cup
