All Blacks and Hurricanes halfback, TJ Perenara, has announced that he will be heading offshore to play in Japan at the end of 2024.

Perenara has signed a three-year contract with the Black Rams Tokyo for Japan’s League One competition.

“I’m excited to embark on a new journey with the Black Rams Tokyo in Japan,” says Perenara, “It’s a new chapter for my family and I, after an incredible 12 years with the Hurricanes.”

"I’m incredibly grateful for the journey I've had with the Hurricanes. Each experience has shaped me, and the unwavering support from our fans has made it even more special. Thank you for being behind me every step of the way.”

Perenara is the most-capped Hurricane of all time and has played 163games for the franchise since making his Super Rugby debut in 2012. He won a Rugby World Cup with the All Blacks in 2015 and was an integral part of winning the Super Rugby title with the Hurricanes in 2016.

Hurricanes Head Coach Clark Laidlaw said he was sad to see TJ go, but acknowledged the legacy he leaves behind.

“I’m not sure there’s enough we could say about TJ. An amazing rugby player, an amazing man, that is a true legend of the Hurricanes club. I remember way back, watching him play for the Hurricanes schools when he was 17. It's incredible to see where he is now, having won a Championship with the club, the top try-scorer and the most capped Hurricane in history.”

“For us, he’s set the standard on and off the field around preparation and how competitive you need to be to win. He’s been a major driving force of this team. We’ll miss him, but we genuinely wish him, Greer and the family all the best in Japan.”

Hurricanes CEO, Avan Lee added “We’re really going to miss TJ. He’s been such a key part of our team and has given so much to the Hurricanes over his 12 years with us. We want to thank TJ for everything he’s done for the team and for our fans. We wish him and his family all the best as they start their new adventure in Japan.