Halfback TJ Perenara has re-signed with All Blacks through until 2021 as New Zealand rugby continues to build long-term contracts with key players.
TJ Perenara leads the All Blacks haka. Photo: Photosport
The 25-year-old's new four-year contract with will also keep him with Wellington and the Hurricanes until at least the end of the 2021 season.
The signing follows last week's announcement that All Blacks loose forward Sam Cane had also confirmed a four-year deal.
"The All Blacks will always be the goal and to be able to chase that dream for another four years here in New Zealand is a challenge I'm looking forward to," Perenara said.
"Being in Wellington and playing for the Hurricanes is a big driver for me. It's where I grew up, it's my home and it's where my family is. Family means a lot and being able to be close to them and be around them is important.
All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen said: "TJ is an incredibly competitive athlete who has taken his game to another level in recent seasons and he has a great understanding of what it means to be a Test player with close to 40 Tests under his belt.
TJ Perenara dives forward for the Hurricanes Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Perenara has played 39 tests for the All Blacks and scored eight tries since making his test debut in 2014 against England. He has played 96 matches for the Hurricanes.
The All Blacks are building a core of key players for the future with Perenara joining Cane and hooker Codie Taylor in signing through to 2021, while Sam Whitelock, Ben Smith and Anton Lienert-Brown are committed through to 2020.
All Blacks Captain Kieran Read, Owen Franks, Israel Dagg, Brodie Retallick, Aaron Smith, Julian Savea, Dane Coles, Beauden Barrett, Sonny Bill Williams, Joe Moody, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Nathan Harris, Patrick Tuipulotu, Liam Squire, Liam Coltman and Ngani Laumape have all signed contracts through to 2019.
