All Blacks scrum-half Cam Roigard has re-signed with New Zealand Rugby and the Hurricanes, the Crusaders have bid farewell to another backline star, while Rugby Australia has locked in the services of Max Jorgensen.
Roigard re-signs
NZ Rugby, the Hurricanes and Counties Manukau have announced that number nine Roigard has re-signed through to the end of 2029, a deal that keeps him in New Zealand until the British and Irish Lions tour at least.
The 25-year-old’s current contract expires in 2027, and he said that the opportunity to be part of a Lions tour in 2029 was one of several key drivers in his decision to further extend his contract.
“I’m loving my rugby right now and the opportunity to represent the All Blacks, the Hurricanes and Counties Manukau here in New Zealand is something I don’t take for granted,” he said.
“It has always been a dream of mine since I was a kid to play Super Rugby and be an All Black, and I want to continue living that dream.”
The live-wire scrum-half made his Test debut for the All Blacks against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 2023 and has since racked up 17 caps in total, scoring 12 tries.
He has represented the Hurricanes 47 times in Super Rugby Pacific, having made his debut against the Crusaders in 2021.
“Cam is an outstanding young man, and already one of the best halfbacks in world rugby,” NZR General Manager Professional Rugby & Performance Chris Lendrum said.
“We’re thrilled he’s committed through to 2029 and that he’ll to continue to play in New Zealand through the prime of his career. It’s encouraging to see our top players recognising the challenge and opportunity of the global calendar over the next period and choosing to continue their rugby in our environments.”
Hurricanes Head Coach Clark Laidlaw added, “It’s huge news for the Hurricanes and New Zealand Rugby. For us, it’s massively exciting. He’s gone from a wildcard pick a few years back, to establishing himself as one of the best halfbacks in the world.
“Both the Hurricanes and Cam have done a lot of work to get to that point, and we can’t wait to continue that journey with him as he continues to improve his game and grow his experience and leadership.
“That’s something we’re really fortunate and grateful for. He’s a strong character within the group, an outstanding professional, and we really look forward to having him with the team and the club over the next few years.”
Crusaders bid Braydon Ennor farewell
Meanwhile, the Crusaders have confirmed that All Blacks back Braydon Ennor will leave the Canterbury club at the end of the 2026 Super Rugby Pafic season to join French Top 14 side Perpignan. Ennor makes the move to France along with teammate Sevu Reece.
The utility back first joined the Crusaders back in 2015, after moving to Christchurch from Auckland on a scholarship.
“This decision comes with a lot of emotions. I love this place and the people here, but I’m really excited for what’s next,” Ennor said.
“I’ve done so much growing in this place, and I owe so much to the red and black jersey. I’ll always call this place home.”
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The 28-year-old made his Test debut in 2019 for New Zealand, earning nine caps in total – the last of which in August 2023.
“To be able to call this a job and turning up to Rugby Park every week with my mates to go to work, it’s the best thing in the world,” he added.
“This is a chapter I’ll treasure for the rest of my life.”
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Ennor’s move abroad rules him out of All Blacks’ contention; however, he could still feature at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia if he switches his international allegiance.
In August this year, he will be able to switch to Zimbabwe using World Rugby’s birthright transfer regulations, as his mother was born in Zimbabwe.
It is also reported that Dalton Papali’i could also be leaving New Zealand shores at the end of the season.
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Jorgensen’s mega-deal
Over in Australia, the Sydney Morning Herald reports that Wallabies star winger Max Jorgensen has signed a massive five-year, multimillion-dollar deal with Rugby Australia and the Waratahs.
The 21-year-old, who was a standout performer for Joe Schmidt last year, was the target of interest from NRL clubs and the rebel rugby competition R360 but has snubbed those advances, penning a five-year extension with the union – the longest since similar deals were issued to Michael Hooper and Lote Tuqiri.
The deal is reportedly set to be announced later this week, with Jorgensen committing to the Waratahs and Wallabies through to the end of 2031, but the report adds that it contains the option of two sabbatical seasons overseas.
Informed sources told the publication that Jorgensen will earn more than $900,000 a season, with the capacity to earn in excess of $1 million a year.
Jorgensen’s re-signing is the second major bit of business that Rugby Australia have completed this week, coming off the back of Angus Crichton’s move from the NRL.
The 29-year-old, who plays as a second-row in rugby league, will switch codes after agreeing a two-year deal with the Waratahs and Rugby Australia from 2027.
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