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Newly-named All Blacks playmaker Stephen Perofeta re-signs with Blues
By Alex McLeod
Newly-named All Blacks playmaker Stephen Perofeta has secured his playing future for the next two years after re-signing with the Blues.
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The Auckland-based Super Rugby Pacific franchise announced on Wednesday that they have secured Perofeta’s services through until the 2024 season.
It comes after 25-year-old, who can play first-five and fullback, starred for the Blues en route to their runner-up finish this season, with his performances earning him a maiden All Blacks call-up for their upcoming series against Ireland.
Named as Players’ Player of the Year and Back of the Year at the recent end-of-season Blues awards, Perofeta ended the Super Rugby Pacific campaign as equal top point-scorer with a personal tally of 129.
The former New Zealand U20 star, who made his first-class debut in the Heartland Championship with Whanganui as a schoolboy in 2015, is also closing in on his 50th cap for the Blues after making his debut for the side five years ago.
Now a star of the Blues backline, Perofeta – who has also re-signed with NPC team Taranaki – is eager to continue his development alongside his high-profile teammates, many of whom join him in the current All Blacks squad.
“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,” Perofeta said in a statement released on Wednesday.
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“I have enjoyed this year and loved the relationship with Beauden, both at Taranaki and at the Blues.”
Blues head coach Leon MacDonald spoke highly of Perofeta’s progression as a Blues player over the course of the coming years.
“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,” MacDonald said.
“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.”
The Blues’ retention of Perofeta comes in the same week that it was announced they had re-signed All Blacks star Caleb Clarke following speculation that he would switch codes to play in the NRL earlier this year.