Cam Roigard, the All Blacks and Hurricanes sensation, has just put pen to paper on a contract extension with New Zealand Rugby that will see him orchestrating plays at least until the end of 2029. This deal stretches beyond the 2027 Rugby World Cup and includes the British & Irish Lions series two years later. After a standout 2025 season, Roigard, now 25, is unapologetically climbing the ranks as one of the top scrum-halves globally. But it's his unconventional source of inspiration that might catch many off guard.
While Roigard drew initial motivation from legendary All Blacks like Aaron Smith and TJ Perenara, there's an unexpected twist in his playbook—an Irish influence. Conor Murray, the towering ex-Ireland half-back known for his prowess during the mid-2010s, has left a significant mark on Roigard's style. "I remember when I was 14 or 15, obviously looking up to the likes of Aaron Smith – his skill set was something I admired – but then I realised as I got a bit older I was not going to be like him because I was a little bit taller for a half-back," Roigard shared with Sport Nation. He added, "Probably a little bit left-field but Conor Murray as well, being a bigger nine. I think it was around the 2015 era, he was pretty dominant and probably one of the best in the world. There was his classic show and go which was something I tried to copy and paste."
"There was his classic show and go which was something I tried to copy and paste."
With his ambitions sky-high, Roigard is set to take the international and franchise scenes by storm. The upcoming World Cup and Lions tour are clearly on his radar, fueling his commitment to New Zealand Rugby. "The World Cup’s literally next year and then that Lions tour is not far away as well so that’s probably something that has enticed me to sign to 2029," he remarked. At the franchise level, Roigard is hungry for silverware, aiming to clinch a Super Rugby title with the Hurricanes—a feat yet unachieved during his tenure.
As Roigard gears up for 2026, both the Hurricanes and the All Blacks are poised for redemption after a less-than-stellar previous season. With his innovative play, inspired by a blend of Kiwi grit and Irish flair, Roigard is undoubtedly a player to watch as he shapes the future of New Zealand rugby on the world stage.
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Cam Roigard, the All Blacks and Hurricanes sensation, has just put pen to paper on a contract extension with New Zealand Rugby that will see him orchestrating plays at least until the end of 2029. This deal stretches beyond the 2027 Rugby World Cup and includes the British & Irish Lions series two years later. After a standout 2025 season, Roigard, now 25, is unapologetically climbing the ranks as one of the top scrum-halves globally. But it's his unconventional source of inspiration that might catch many off guard.
While Roigard drew initial motivation from legendary All Blacks like Aaron Smith and TJ Perenara, there's an unexpected twist in his playbook—an Irish influence. Conor Murray, the towering ex-Ireland half-back known for his prowess during the mid-2010s, has left a significant mark on Roigard's style. "I remember when I was 14 or 15, obviously looking up to the likes of Aaron Smith – his skill set was something I admired – but then I realised as I got a bit older I was not going to be like him because I was a little bit taller for a half-back," Roigard shared with Sport Nation. He added, "Probably a little bit left-field but Conor Murray as well, being a bigger nine. I think it was around the 2015 era, he was pretty dominant and probably one of the best in the world. There was his classic show and go which was something I tried to copy and paste."
"There was his classic show and go which was something I tried to copy and paste."
With his ambitions sky-high, Roigard is set to take the international and franchise scenes by storm. The upcoming World Cup and Lions tour are clearly on his radar, fueling his commitment to New Zealand Rugby. "The World Cup’s literally next year and then that Lions tour is not far away as well so that’s probably something that has enticed me to sign to 2029," he remarked. At the franchise level, Roigard is hungry for silverware, aiming to clinch a Super Rugby title with the Hurricanes—a feat yet unachieved during his tenure.
As Roigard gears up for 2026, both the Hurricanes and the All Blacks are poised for redemption after a less-than-stellar previous season. With his innovative play, inspired by a blend of Kiwi grit and Irish flair, Roigard is undoubtedly a player to watch as he shapes the future of New Zealand rugby on the world stage.