Former All Black Perenara to make return after 450 days on the sideline due to injury

Former All Blacks halfback TJ Perenara will be making his return to the rugby field for the first time since November 2022 ahead of the Hurricanes’ pre-season clash with Moana Pasifika tomorrow.

Perenara has been named to start at halfback after 450 days on the sideline due to an injury he suffered while playing for the All Blacks against England.

Last December, the 32-year-old spoke about how the black jersey is a big part of his motivation to return with the Hurricanes in this year’s Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific.

Now that the 80-test All Black is back, he will have to challenge new All Black halfback Cam Roigard for the No. 9 jersey at the Hurricanes this season and he has appeared supremely confident during his injury rehab.

Three players with links to Fiji will also be lining up for the Canes tomorrow and they are Isaiah Walker-Leawere, Salesi Rayasi and Kiniviliame Naholo.

Leawere will start at locks, Rayasi will start on the wing and Naholo will come off the bench.

The Hurricanes will take on Moana Pasifika at 1:30pm tomorrow in Wellington.