Rugby star TJ Perenara continues support for an openly gay All Black player
The New Zealander has been a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ community
By Steve Brown
Words: Steve Brown
Rugby star TJ Perenara has reiterated his desire to see a first gay All Black player.
The New Zealand rugby star has been an outspoken ally of the LGBTQ community and last month he said rugby is ready for an openly gay All Black player.
Now, while returning back from the Rugby World Cup in Japan, Perenara continued to voice his support for the LGBTQ community.
He told TVNZ: “I spoke to Express Magazine a few months ago, and just had an open conversation about where I feel things stand, my opinion on it.
“I’m content with that. I’m very, very happy with that interview.”
Although he hopes a player will come out, he admitted he is unsure when it will happen but said it’s the environment New Zealanders should ‘strive for’.
Perenara added: “I’m unsure when it will happen.
“I hope that we’re at a spot that – when it does happen – it’s a situation that’s welcomed by everyone, and that it’s OK.
“That’s the environment that we want as All Blacks. That’s the environment that we should strive for as New Zealanders – that people can be themselves in whatever environment they choose to succeed in.”