STEPHEN PEROFETA

Stephen Perofeta played first-class rugby for Wanganui while still a student at Wanganui Collegiate, scoring more than 100 points in 2015 to be a finalist for the Heartland Player of the Year. He graduated to selection for the Heartland XV the same year, scoring 58 points in three games. 

He moved to Taranaki in 2016 and was selected for the New Zealand Under-20 side where he finished the tournament as the starting first-five. 

Stephen debuted for the Blues against the Reds in 2017 and shortly after found himself in the driver’s seat against the British and Irish Lions where he played a pivotal part in the Blues’ famous victory against the Lions. That same year Stephen went on his second Under-20s campaign for New Zealand. 

2018 saw Perofeta feature 14 times for the Blues at first five-eight as well as fullback. A pre-season injury in early 2019 meant Perofeta missed the entire Super Rugby campaign. A return from injury at the beginning of 2020 saw Stephen showing flashes of his exciting potential, with smart attacking play and option taking at both first-five and fullback. 

2021 saw Perofeta’s star rise further, playing as the first choice fullback for the duration of the Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign. He continued his strong form at both first-five and fullback in 2022, with his consistent goal kicking also a feature of his game. Perofeta’s talent was recognised by the All Blacks selectors earning him selection in the winter squads and earning a debut against Argentina.  

Perofeta’s 2023 season was punctured with niggling injuries keeping him on the sidelines for chunks of the season, not allowing for any consistency. When available, he still showed glimpses of his supreme talent and was rewarded with a spot at first-five for the All Blacks XV. Alongside fellow Blues team mate, Ricky Riccitelli, he was an influential figure for Taranaki in their Bunnings NPC title victory.  

Perofeta continued to perform a strong role for the Blues at both first-five and fullback in their 2024 championship season. He started the season at 10, kicking goals and directing traffic around the park. However, after a mid-season shoulder injury, Perofeta returned to the team and, with Harry Plummer performing at first-five, Stevie slotted in at fullback and let his attacking flair and tactical kicking nous shine.  

He was influential in helping guide the team to a title and was rewarded with All Blacks selection where he performed with distinction at fullback against a strong English side.  

Stevie returns to the Blues in 2025 as an established and experienced Super Rugby player with the ability to cover multiple roles and responsibilities on the rugby field. His guidance and professionalism will be of great assistance as the team go about defending their Super Rugby Pacific title in 2025. 

Stephen is contracted with the Blues through until the end of the 2026 season.