Star All Blacks halfback Cam Roigard has extended his contract with New Zealand Rugby through to 2029.
The 25-year-old Hurricanes and Counties Manukau No.9 was already signed through to the next Rugby World Cup in 2027 and is expected to play a big role for the All Blacks for the foreseeable future after firmly establishing himself as New Zealand’s first-choice halfback following Aaron Smith’s international retirement.
In a statement, Roigard says the prospect of playing against the British and Irish Lions in three years was a key factor behind him signing halfway through the next World Cup cycle.
He says he is loving his rugby right now, and the opportunity to represent the All Blacks, the Hurricanes and Counties Manukau in New Zealand is something he does not take for granted.
He adds that it has always been a dream of his since he was a kid to play Super Rugby and be an All Black, and he wants to continue living that dream.
Roigard burst onto the scene in 2023, his third season with the Hurricanes, after club legend TJ Perenara was sidelined with a long-term Achilles injury.
With a strong running game, an eye for the try-line and a booming left boot, his stellar Super Rugby Pacific form was rewarded with a maiden All Blacks call-up later that year.
Roigard made his Test debut in a 38-7 win against the Wallabies at the MCG in July 2023, replacing Smith, arguably the All Blacks’ greatest-ever halfback.
He has since been capped 17 times by the All Blacks, scoring 12 tries, and is now rated alongside France’s Antoine Dupont as one of the game’s premier No.9s.
Props Tamaiti Williams (2029), Fletcher Newell (2028) and first five-eighth Damian McKenzie (2029) are three other All Blacks who have already committed their futures to New Zealand Rugby beyond the 2027 World Cup.
Roigard is quickly closing in on his 50th appearance for the Hurricanes after playing 47 times since his debut in 2021.
Source: Stuff.co.nz
