All Blacks pair sign new deals with the Blues

Stephen Perofeta will remain at the Blues for at least another two years.

The 25-year-old newly-minted All Black has extended his contract with the Blues until at least 2024.

Perofeta was one of the stars of the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season for the Blues, voted Players’ Player of the Year and Back of the Year. He was the equal top scorer of the competition with 129 points, and played in 14 games this season, taking his tally to 45 caps since joining the Blues in 2017.

The Whanganui player, who played for his home union while still at school, moved to Taranaki where he has played over 50 games, and will extend his stay for the union alongside fellow Blues players Beauden Barrett, Ricky Riccitelli and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepens.

Perofeta said he is excited to continue at the Blues.

“We are developing into a good team of good mates, but we also know there is a lot more to come yet and I’m keen to be part of it,” said Perofeta. “I have enjoyed this year and loved he relationship with Beauden, both at Taranaki and at the Blues.”

Blues head coach Leon MacDonald said the organisation was delighted that Perofeta will extend his stay with the club.

“Stevie’s development since he came the Blues five years ago has been remarkable, and off the back of an outstanding NPC for Taranaki, he has taken his game to another level, especially forming a unique partnership with Beauden,” said MacDonald.

“We are thrilled to have him on the field for at least two more years, while off it, he is one of the most popular people in our organisation, and a very good person who strongly represents our values.”

Perofeta follow Caleb Clarke in signing a new deal with the side.

Clarke will continue with the Blues and New Zealand Rugby until at least 2024. At just 23, Clarke has now amassed 37 caps after making his debut in 2018 and his debut for the All Blacks against Australia in Wellington in 2020.

His father Eroni is a prominent alumnus, having excelled for Auckland, the Blues and earned 24 caps for the All Blacks.

Clarke, a product of Mt Albert Grammar and the Suburbs club, came through the Blues development programme to make his Super Rugby debut against the Waratahs in 2018. He quickly developed into a super-fast, block-busting winger.

“Caleb possess qualities that are so exciting in the modern young player,” said Blues Head Coach Leon MacDonald. “He is a superb athlete, a trained sprinter who possesses speed and power and outstanding ball-skills. Best of all, he is an outstanding young man, dedicated athlete and good person.”

Clarke is honoured and excited to extend his stay at the Blues. Clarke said: “I would not want to be anywhere else than to be at the Blues. We have a fantastic environment and the boys work so hard together and have a lot of fun at the same time.”

Clarke will also continue his contract with Auckland.