Cam Roigard continues to shine as the Hurricanes’ starting halfback in 2023, with many tipping him for an All Blacks debut when internationals begin in July.
The 22-year-old has taken the No.9 jersey in his stride as veteran teammate TJ Perenara continues to recover from a ruptured Achilles, leading the Hurricanes to the top of the Super Rugby Pacific standings.
Roigard was sublime in Saturday’s 29-14 win over the Highlanders, scoring an intercept try to outplay opposite Folau Fakatava under the roof at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
While there are many halfbacks in contention for Ian Foster’s three available No.9 roles for September’s Rugby World Cup, Roigard is a hot favourite to claim one position for himself.
The scrum-half’s Counties Manukau head coach Reon Graham believes he has a shot of making the squad but says that won’t be his focus as the Hurricanes look to take out their second Super Rugby title.
“He’s not thinking about that,” Graham told SENZ’s The Rugby Run.
“It’s there for him but he’s not overthinking it, he’s one of those guys that does take it in his stride.
“In terms of it being too early, probably if he did miss out he wouldn’t be phased by that, that would just drive him on to have a decent crack at it again in the future.
“He’s always first to admit that he’s still learning and still growing himself as well so I think either way, big things (are) coming at some stage.”
Roigard stood out for Counties in 2022, earning himself a spot in the inaugural All Blacks XV side that toured Europe in November of last year.
Now with an opportunity to take his game even further, Graham says it’s Roigard’s work ethic and leadership qualities that would make him a great addition to the national side in 2023.
“He’s just … he’s a competitor and always striving to get better in everything he does,” Graham added.
“(He’s a) really good guy to have around the team environment, as I say he’s just always competing, that’s probably the best way to describe him really.
“Anybody that knows him would agree that he’s always trying to get the best out of himself and others around him.”
While the Hurricanes lie atop the Super Rugby standings after seven weeks, they have a one-game advantage over the Chiefs, who led the competition with a 6-0 record prior to their bye-round on the weekend.
The two sides will clash on Saturday night, where Roigard will take on veteran Brad Weber and All Blacks XV teammate Cortez Ratima at Sky Stadium.