Rookie scrum-half Cam Roigard is keen to build on his excellent performances during a breakout season in 2023 and welcomes the competition for the Hurricanes’ number nine jersey.
Roigard’s superb form for the Hurricanes at Super Rugby Pacific level was rewarded with a call-up to New Zealand’s squad for last year’s Rugby World Cup in France.
And many rugby supporters in New Zealand believe he is the right man to succeed legendary All Black Aaron Smith as the men in black’s first choice scrum-half for the upcoming international season.
That won’t be easy, however, as he can expect stiff competition from
whose long-term Achilles injury, sustained at the end of ‘s 2022 tour of Europe, opened the door for to start at the .
The 23-year-old made full use of his opportunity and scored nine tries during the Wellington-based side’s campaign, but with Perenara close to making a full recovery, he knows he will have replicate his 2023 form in 2024.
“This time last year I wasn’t in the starting line-up at the Hurricanes so it’s going to be different obviously,” Roigard told 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.”
Roigard admitted to being disappointed not be in action for the All Blacks during the World Cup’s play-off matches – especially their loss to arch rivals the Springboks in the final – but said he would use his lack of game-time in the knockout rounds as motivation as he looks to cement his place in the All Blacks’ first choice matchday squad.
He only featured in three pool matches for New Zealand against Uruguay, Italy and Namibia in France.
“Don’t get me wrong, it was an awesome experience,” added Roigard.
“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 any more 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.
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