All Blacks and Hurricanes halfback Cam Roigard extends NZ Rugby contract until 2029
Wednesday, 28 January 2026
The most exciting and influential young player in New Zealand rugby is, of course, staying right where he is. At a time of turmoil and transition for the All Blacks, Cam Roigard’s contract extension is just what the doctor ordered.
New Zealand Rugby announced on Wednesday the All Blacks, Hurricanes and Counties Manukau halfback had re-signed through until the end of 2029. It was a no-brainer for both player and employer.
The 25-year-old halfback, who quickly established himself as one of the most important players in Scott Robertson’s All Blacks when available, had no hesitation in inking an extension to his current deal that expires in 2027.
He spoke about the chance to play a part in the British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand in 2029 being one of several key drivers in his decision to extend his commitment to the Kiwi game.
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“Not many people get the opportunity to play in a Lions series, so for that to be potentially an option a few years down the track, it’s something that’s once in a lifetime,” Roigard told the media at Hurricanes training on Wednesday. “It’s a long way away and you can’t look too far into the future, but to be in that timeline, if I’m still playing good rugby then and available, it’s pretty exciting.”
Roigard also spoke about a strong sense of loyalty to a Hurricanes organisation that gave him his chance in professional rugby, and to whom he felt indebted.
He has already had five seasons, and 47 appearances, for the Canes, initially as backup for veteran TJ Perenara and eventually succeeding his mentor as the top 9 at the franchise.
“I remember when I was about 15 or 16, my dream was to play Super Rugby because i didn’t think I was going to be good enough to be an All Black,” he mused. “To get that first opportunity … I still remember that phone call from Alfie (Jason Holland) at mum and dad’s. I thought it was the greatest thing in the world.
“i just wanted to earn the respect of the players and management, as a lot didn’t know me, and I didn’t know them. To be fair, my debut was pretty poor. I got charged down in extra time, and it was a big game … it’s cool to reflect now on how far I’ve come from that first opportunity.
“After that Alfie offered me a full contract, and that was a proud moment for myself. To re-sign for the long term is so exciting. I want to knuckle down and give my best for the next four seasons, and to keep getting better. I feel I’m in a position now I can have massive impacts in games.”
He’s also hugely upbeat about the prospect of the Hurricanes in 2026 as they welcome back Jordie Barrett from sabbatical, Josh Moorby from a stint in France and Holland to the coaching crew from his time with the All Blacks.
“With the calibre of the players it’s so exciting,” he said. “We’ve got so much talent across the board, and a lot of depth. It’s cool to see players get the opportunity in the pre-season to show the coaches what they can do.
“And Alfie coming back into the mix … he’s a great man, a great coach and a Hurricanes man through and through. He’s a man who cares deeply but also has got no ego, and is not going to step on other coaches’ toes. He knows what his role is and how he can get the best out of players.”
Roigard’s retention for the All Blacks is vital. He emerged as an exciting young prospect at No 9 in the latter stages of Ian Foster’s tenure, and over the 2024 and ‘25 international seasons he quickly established himself as the premier halfback in the New Zealand game.
Arguably, you could say he sits only behind Ardie Savea and Will Jordan in the current national squad in terms of influence, importance and game-changing ability.
The talented halfback made his All Blacks debut against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 2023 and has scored a dozen tries in his 17 tests. His raking left boot, innate running ability, physical attributes and tactical awareness have made him a player the All lacks, and Hurricanes, are just not the same without.
He didn’t want to comment directly on Robertson’s recent axing, but did say he felt for the now former All Blacks coach. “I could tell from when I first met him he cared about the team massively, so you feel for him, making sure he’s all right as a person.”
But Roigard made it clear that a change at the top had no affect on his approach as an incumbent All Black.
“If I get the opportunity this year to pull on the black jersey, my mindset is still going to be the same,” he declared. “I’m going to be trying as hard as I can to put out a performance to make New Zealand proud and myself proud. From my perspective, regardless of who’s coaching, I’m still 100% committed and it’s always a privilege to wear the black jersey.”