1
‘He's been outstanding’: Neil Barnes’ verdict on Beauden Barrett after Stormers
52
{{item.n}}
Reports: 6-Test All Black playmaker set to sign Japan deal
12 Comments
Share 
Blues and All Blacks playmaker Stephen Perofeta is set to leave New Zealand Rugby for Japan, according to multiple reports.
Sport Nation and NZ Herald have published reports suggesting Perofeta, who started the first two Tests of Scott Robertson’s tenure back in 2024, is poised to leave the country for Japan at the end of the season.
Perofeta would join numerous New Zealand Super Rugby Pacific players who have announced their departure at the end of the 2026 season, including Devan Flanders, Fehi Fineanganofo, AJ Lam, Dalton Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu, Isaia Walker-Leawere, and Riley Higgins.
VIDEO
The Blues first-five has started the past two Super Rugby Pacific games under Vern Cotter, which once again highlights the depth of talent New Zealand will lose come the end of the season.
Perofeta has made 65 appearances for Taranaki at Bunnings NPC level, while he’s one of the Blues’ most experienced players with 72 appearances in Super Rugby.
The All Black has supposedly inked a new deal with Japan Rugby League One’s Yokohama Canon Eagles, the former Blues coach Leon MacDonald’s franchise.
MacDonald coached Perofeta at the Blues and during his short stint as All Blacks attack coach, and could lure the 6-Test playmaker to Japan a year out from the Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Both reports have linked Highlanders first-five Cameron Millar to Auckland to replace Perofeta, with the 23-year-old having played 31 games for the Dunedin-based franchise over the past four seasons.
The Highlanders and Jamie Joseph gain the services of Chiefs first-five Josh Jacomb at the end of the season, giving Millar the opportunity to make the move north.
Millar would join Beauden Barrett in Auckland for the season leading into the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, linking up with new head coach and former All Blacks assistant Jason Holland.
Perofeta could link up with multiple Kiwis who are on the Canon Eagles’ books, including Auckland’s Randall Baker out of Pakuranga Rugby Club, former Crusaders and Moana Pasifika midfielder Levi Aumua, and former Highlander Billy Harmon.
News, stats, live rugby and more! Download the new RugbyPass app on the App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android) now!
Whether you’re looking for somewhere to track upcoming fixtures, a place to watch live rugby or an app that shows you all of the latest news and analysis, the RugbyPass rugby app is perfect.
