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The Live Sport Bible is here!EXCLUSIVE: All Black, Blues back Perofeta poised to leave NZ rugby
Sport Nation • May 11th, 2026 10:26 am
Stephen Perofeta | Photo: Photosport
Another All Black is poised to take his talents offshore.
Blues first-five Stephen Perofeta is set to announce his departure from NZ Rugby, Scotty Stevenson revealed on Sport Nation's Scotty & Izzy on Monday.
With his NZ Rugby contract expiring at the end of this year, Perofeta has inked a deal with Japan Rugby League One's Yokohama Canon Eagles, where he'll reunite with former Blues coach Leon MacDonald.
Highlanders pivot Cameron Millar is expected to head north and join the Blues as Perofeta's replacement, making room for the imminent arrival of Josh Jacomb from the Chiefs.
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The 29-year-old becomes the latest high-profile player to part ways with Super Rugby, following in the footsteps of the likes of teammates Dalton Papali'i, Hoskins Sotutu, and AJ Lam, Crusaders veteran Sevu Reece, and rising talents Fehi Fineanganofo and Devan Flanders of the Hurricanes.
The Whanganui product has played six Tests for the All Blacks since his 2022 debut in an international tenure which has been plagued by injury.
He was primarily used as a utility, playing the majority of his Tests from the bench at both fullback and first-five.
If selected under new head coach Dave Rennie, Richie Mo'unga's return to New Zealand means Perofeta's role will likely diminish.
Perofeta has made 72 appearances for the Blues and 65 for Taranaki at NPC level.
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