All Blacks coach Ian Foster didnt like TJ Perenaras NRL negotiations being aired in the media but now he faces a public dealing of his own with the star halfback that could be far more damaging.
In an incredibly rare occurrence, an All Blacks coach and a star player are now taking swipes and giving rebuttal, via the media, in a public battle of words that will provide a fascinating next few days for Foster and his squad leading into a two-day camp in Christchurch next week.
When Foster spoke on Monday, after naming his squad for the Rugby Championship, where the return of Perenara was a major feature, he took a public swipe at the No. 9 who was returning to the All Blacks for the first time since his Japanese sabbatical.
All Blacks coach Ian Foster has had his public swipe swiftly returned by TJ Perenara.
When Perenara was in Japan, playing for the NTT Red Hurricanes, reports emerged that he was in negotiations with Sonny Bill Williams former NRL club the Sydney Roosters.
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Perenara was due to come off-contract at the end of the 2021 season but ultimately re-signed with New Zealand Rugby until the completion of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Foster hinted Perenara’s proposed NRL code-switch could have been nothing more than a negotiation ploy and said he wasnt personally over-impressed that that played out publicly.
I didnt really know whether TJ was serious with the NRL or not, Foster said on Monday, at a press conference following the announcement of the Rugby Championship squad.
HANNAH PETERS/GETTY IMAGES
TJ Perenara has returned serve at Ian Foster’s comments.
Turns out, Perenara seemingly wasnt impressed with Foster’s take either.
He offered his rebuttal, later on Monday.
“We were genuine in all discussions, it wasn’t a ploy,” Perenara has told media at Wellington rugby training on Monday afternoon.
“The decision to come back to New Zealand was a really tough decision because of how close we were to going to the NRL and back to Japan.”
Earlier on Monday, Foster also said it wasnt an easy decision to include Perenara in his squad ahead of rookie Finlay Christie who made his All Blacks debut against a severely under-strength Tonga earlier this month.
But the All Blacks coach did add he was happy with the form he saw from Perenara in Japan.
Perenara has been playing club rugby in Wellington in recent weeks and will play in the upcoming national provincial championship.
