Stephen Perofeta

Stephen Perofeta (born 12 March 1997) is a New Zealand rugby union player who currently plays as a fly-half for Taranaki in the Mitre 10 Cup.[1] He is also a member of the Blues Super Rugby squad, making his debut towards the end of the 2017 Super Rugby season.

Stephen Perofeta
Date of birth (1997-03-12) 12 March 1997
Place of birthWhanganui, New Zealand
Height181 cm (5 ft 11 in)
Weight85 kg (187 lb; 13 st 5 lb)
SchoolWhanganui Collegiate School
Rugby union career
Position(s) First five-eighth, Fullback
Current team Taranaki, Blues
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2015 Wanganui 7 (47)
2016– Taranaki 54 (287)
2017– Blues 52 (296)
Correct as of 9 May 2023
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2015 Heartland XV 3 (58)
2016–2017 New Zealand U20 8 (18)
2020 Moana Pasifika 1 (0)
2022 New Zealand 3 (0)
Correct as of 9 May 2023

Professional career

New Zealand Under 20s

In June 2017, Perofeta was called in as an emergency replacement for the New Zealand Under 20s rugby side at the World Rugby Under 20s World Championship.[2] He started the final, and kicked seven conversions as New Zealand convincingly beat England 64–17 to win the tournament.[3]

Blues 2017–present
Stephen Perofeta attempting a penalty goal against the British and Irish Lions at Eden Park, June 7, 2017

Coming back from injury, Perofeta made his debut as a substitute player against the Queensland Reds in Apia, a match the Blues won 24–19.[4] He scored a try and kicked two conversions, for a total of nine points in his first game. A week later, Perofeta started at first five as the Blues defeated the touring British and Irish Lions at Eden Park 22–16.[5] Perofeta played a key role in the victory, with his beautiful cut-out pass setting up Rieko Ioane for the game's opening try, then his unsuccessful penalty goal attempt lead to a Sonny Bill Williams try (which Perofeta duly converted) to give the Blues the halftime lead.

All Blacks

Perofeta made his international debut for the All Blacks on 27 August 2022 against Argentina at Christchurch for 50 seconds.[6][7]

References
  1. "2016 Port Taranaki Bulls Mitre 10 Cup Squad Announced". Taranaki Rugby. Archived from the original on 21 July 2015. Retrieved 19 July 2015.
  2. "Stephen Perofeta rushed in to play in under-20 final between New Zealand and England". 18 June 2017.
  3. "Baby Blacks unstoppable as they rout England to be crowned U-20 world champs". 18 June 2017.
  4. "Blues beat Reds in Samoa". 2 June 2017.
  5. "Lions slip to disappointing defeat to Blues after stunning Ihaia West try". 7 June 2017.
  6. Powell, Alex (30 August 2022). "Rugby Championship: More to come from Stephen Perofeta despite brief All Blacks debut, says teammate Rieko Ioane". Newshub. Retrieved 30 August 2022.
  7. "Argentina beat the All Blacks for the first time on Kiwi soil". 1 News. 27 August 2022. Retrieved 30 August 2022.


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