Perofeta snapped up by Blues

Photo above: Taranaki's Stephen Perofeta, seen here playing for his club Clifton, has signed up with the Blues. Photo by Dave Lintott Photography. 

It was only a matter of time, but Taranaki playmaker Stephen Perofeta has signed up with the Blues Super Rugby franchise after a strong season for his province in the national provincial championship.  

Originally from Wanganui, Perofeta will join Otago’s Mike Collins as the new additions to the Blues side.  

Both players have represented New Zealand at age grade level, schools or New Zealand U20s and have been stand outs during this year’s provincial competition.  

Perofeta, 19, will join established pivots Ihaia West and Piers Francis at the Blues with Perofeta able to play both first five-eighth and fullback.  

The inform player was a nominee for Heartland Player of the Year in 2015 after his debut season for Wanganui as a schoolboy, scoring 100 points before scoring 58 points in three outings for the New Zealand Heartland XV.  

So far in the NPC, Perofeta has played 10 games for the amber and blacks, scored five tries – including a hat trick against Wellington last weekend and scored 27 points.  

Blue’s coach Tana Umaga, said Perofeta is achieving beyond his years and believes he is an outstanding prospect for the future.  

“We’ve been watching Stephen for some time and believe he has the attributes we need and the maturity even at his age to make a real contribution for the Blues.  

“First five has been a priority position for the past two seasons and we have been working closely with some exciting young first fives coming through in the region, but they are not yet ready to blood at Super level” he adds.