1
‘Nothing is guaranteed’: Cam Roigard embracing TJ Perenara ‘challenge'
By Finn Morton
Hurricanes halfback Cam Roigard has come a long way in 12 months. This time last year, the then-22-year-old wasn’t at all a realistic chance of going to the World Cup.
All Blacks Aaron Smith, Finlay Christie and Brad Weber all stood out as New Zealand’s top-three choices at scrum-half, while veteran TJ Perenara was sidelined with an Achille injury.
But that injury to Penera, which he suffered in the dying minutes of New Zealand’s dramatic draw with England at Twickenham in 2022, offered a young talent the chance to step up.
And step up he did. Cam Roigard went from a relative unknown at Super Rugby level to a fan favourite within New Zealand rugby circles.
Roigard debuted for the All Blacks against arch-rivals the Wallabies in front of a packed house at the world-famous MCG, and the Hurricane also did enough to earn a spot in the World Cup squad, too.
After taking out the All Blacks’ pre-season Bronco test with a time of 4 minutes and 12 seconds, it seems that Roigard has a big future at Super Rugby and Test level. But a big challenge awaits.
Before the Scott ‘Razor’ Robertson era gets underway later this year, Roigard will have to prove himself once again with veteran TJ Perenara set to return from injury with the Hurricanes.
“This time last year I wasn’t in the starting lineup at the Hurricanes so it’s going to be different obviously,” Roigard said, as reported by Stuff.
“But I’m still looking forward to the challenge ahead because nothing is guaranteed and TJ is looking pretty fit now which will be a pretty awesome challenge to come up against him.
“TJ brings a lot of experience. He’s been around for a while now and has a lot to add in that department but he’ll be hungry to prove himself and we’re going to compete really well and challenge each other. But that’s how you get the best out of each other.”
Touted as a future star by All Blacks after only a few games at international level, many were excited to see what Roigard could do against the rugby world in France.
Playing at the Rugby World Cup, Roigard only played three matches – all in pool play – against Uruguay, Italy and Namibia. Aaron Smith and Finlay Christie were preferred by All Blacks coaches during the knockout stages of the tournament.
“Don’t get me wrong, it was an awesome experience,” Roigard reflected.
“Being able to play in those pool games was a dream come true and to play with those players who aren’t in the All Blacks anymore and the coaches, it was pretty cool and something I will cherish for a long time.
“But you always want to play in those big games and missing out on that was something I didn’t get over.
“But hopefully it’s a bit of fuel to keep pushing to make the next one but at the moment all my focus is on the season with the Hurricanes.”
The Hurricanes get their Super Rugby Pacific campaign underway to the Western Force on February 23.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Shock contender emerges Wales head coach job
3
France change two for Ireland but stick with 7-1 bench tactic
4
Avoid a deal with Kalyn Ponga
5
Latest Comments
33, unlikely?
It’s actually an interesting question, how does his RL career impact you perception of his ‘rugby age’?
I’d imagine he’s fresher than a 26 yo rugby player, he’s fitting and done more k’s, but had less impacts (unsure of his injuries).
Anyway, your conclusion doesn’t really hit the mark. What you’ve not asked yourself is would he be better at 33, with 6 years under his belt, than 28/9, and only 2 years experience. If he really is considering it a major goal of course, he may just want an Olympic medal and leave etc.
Still, in relation to your topic, what I suspected would be his thinking is the ever increasing value in playing in Japan. Perhaps he’d try and give this first WC a go, trying to make it in the All Blacks, obviously playing Super Rugby, then he’d take a much bigger contract in Japan? Learn how to run around people with better accuracy and consistency (rofl), and then return to NZ as an improved player to Australia 2027, with the hope to fine tune further and make the most of his marketability in the bonanza that America 2031 is going to leave behind. 33 is still prime earning age and who knows what the MLR market is going to be like them, if teams have started to have major backers etc.
It’s all about the money afterall (yes, I wasn’t referring to his ability re USA31’)!
Go to commentsNo, just an overly zealous fan who doesn’t know what he’s talking about.
Go to comments