All Black Stephen Perofeta set to join Yokohama Canon Eagles

Blues playmaker Stephen Perofeta is set to become the latest All Black to quit New Zealand Rugby for a lucrative deal in Japan.

Perofeta, 29, who won the last of his six All Blacks caps against Ireland in November 2024, will reunite with former Blues coach Leon MacDonald at Yokohama Canon Eagles who are captained by Springboks star Jessie Kriel.

SportNation broke the story on Monday that the 2024 Super Rugby winner will move overseas at the end of the season as he joins a growing exodus that includes Dalton Papali'i, Hoskins Sotutu, Sevu Reece and Devan Flanders.

Perofeta played for the Blues played against Yokohama in 2024 in the one-off Cross Border Rugby series as the Super Rugby outfit prevailed 57-22.

Yokohama, who were play-off semi-finalists in 2024, finished the season in a disappointing 10th place in MacDonald’s first year in the job as they pulled away from the relegation play-off zone with three wins in their last four games.

© JRLO

Double World Cup winner Faf de Klerk’s departure to the Cheetahs has opened up a category C spot.

Italian lock Dino Lamb, ex-All Blacks hooker Liam Coltman and Springboks ace Kriel are the remaining Category C players in Kanagawa as they prepare to announce their summer departures.

Japanese sides can select up to three international Test players (for a category other than Japan) in their matchday 23.

Perofeta will challenge former Japan international Yu Tamura and Yuragi Muto for Yokohama’s number 10 jersey and also offers an option at full-back alongside newcomer Kosho Muto, South African Brendan Owen and former Japan international Jumpei Ogura.

The club boasts a talent-rich squad which includes hard-working flanker Billy Harmon, big-carrying number eight Amanaki Saumaki, powerhouse centre Levi Aumua, Japan speedster Kippei Ishida and Fijian judoka-turned winger Viliame Takayawa.

Yokohama will begin their pre-season training for the 2026-2027 season in August with their international Test players set to return in November and December.