New four year deal for TJ Perenara

New Zealand Rugby has been boosted by the news that Hurricanes scrum-half TJ Perenara has put pen to paper on a new four-year contract.

The 25-year-old's new four-year contract with NZR will also keep him in Wellington and Hurricanes colours until at least the end of the 2021 season.

The signing is further great news for NZR and follows last week's announcement that All Blacks loose forward Sam Cane had also inked 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 a world-class player and a very important part of our team. He's 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.

Hurricanes Assistant Coach Jason Holland said Perenara was a massive part of the club's present and future plans.

"TJ is a big part of our team culture on and off the field. His play over the past two years has been top drawer and a big driver of the club's success. He's an integral part of game. He's a multiple threat with the ball in and a major driver of our defence."

Perenara has played 39 Tests and scored eight tries since making his Test debut in 2014 against England.  He made his Hurricanes debut in 2012 and has played 96 matches for the club, scoring 44 tries. He captained the side 12 times during the 2017 season. Perenara made his provincial debut for Wellington in 2010 and has represented the Lions 14 times.

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 Samuel 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 inked deals through to 2019.