Perenara sheds tears after All Black phone call

REACTION: Hurricanes scrumhalf TJ Perenara has completed a remarkable comeback to the All Blacks after snapping his Achilles tendon in late 2022.

The 80-Test veteran returned to rugby in March after more than a year on the sidelines following back-to-back surgeries, having ruptured the same ligament during his rehabilitation.

He proved his form with the Hurricanes this season by setting a new all-time record for the most tries in Super Rugby.

On Monday, he was included in Scott Robertson’s squad for the upcoming Test series against England in July.

“I’m really proud, there is a lot of work that has gone into it,” Perenara said.

“That chapter has closed now on recovering and a new chapter starts on trying to be a great All Black again.”

Full circle 💯😤

Read more: https://t.co/Je5r4TtMQ7 pic.twitter.com/sp2F6oOTIV

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) June 24, 2024

The 32-year-old admitted shedding a few tears when he got the phone call to say he had been recalled.

“I got a phone call last night [Sunday] when I was getting ready to put my son to bed.

“I ended up telling my wife but I chose not to tell my family so they found out when the country found out.”

He added: “I was trying to get the words out to my wife that I had made it, that was pretty special.

“There was a time when I didn’t think I would play another game again,” he said of his recovery.

“That feeling of not being able to play makes me so grateful for being out on the field again.”