‘It’s no secret’ – NZ Rugby confirm talks for Richie Mo’unga’s early return to All Blacks jersey
head-coach-Scott-Robertson-All-Blacks-Richie-Mounga
New Zealand Rugby have confirmed that they are in talks to lure All Blacks playmaker Richie Mo’unga back from Japan.
The 29-year-old signed a three-year deal with Toshiba Brave Lupus, who he joined after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, but it is no secret that NZ Rugby and All Blacks head coach Scott Roberston want the pivot back in New Zealand.
NZ Rugby’s current eligibility rules mean that overseas players – who are not on sabbaticals sanctioned by the governing body – are ineligible to play for the national team.
With Mo’unga contracted to the Japan Rugby League One side, he would need to agree a move back to New Zealand as there are no plans currently in place to change the policy.
“It’s no secret”
Robertson visited the fly-half, who starred in his Crusaders team, winning seven Super Rugby titles in a row, with Mo’unga currently impressing in Japan, leading his side to 14 wins from 16 matches.
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NZR general manager of professional rugby, Chris Lendrum, has now addressed the possibility of Mo’unga making a return to New Zealand and the All Blacks.
“It’s no secret New Zealand Rugby were sorry to see Richie leave at the time he did and we would like him back,” Lendrum told Rugby Direct.
“You can imagine we’ve been talking to Richie, and others, while they’re offshore.
“Plan A is to get him back on a full-time contract as soon as we can. That involves working with his agent.”
Mo’unga was the All Blacks’ first-choice number 10 during the 2023 Rugby World Cup, and given his past experience with Robertson, it’s likely he would have been entrusted with the jersey in the ex-Crusaders boss’ first year in charge.
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Richie Mo’unga’s return?
Lendrum was pressed specifically about bringing Mo’unga home early, and while he added that NZ Rugby respected he was currently contracted with a foreign club, he confirmed that there is interest from both parties for the number 10 to return and add to his Test cap tally.
“That’s a contractual matter and we work through that with his agent and him,” Lendrum said.
“I know Richie would love to pull on the black jersey again. We have to see when that can be. Then you work back from there.
“The fundamental is a player is committed, wants to play for the All Blacks, wants to be back in New Zealand, otherwise we’re talking about picking All Blacks from offshore – which is not in the plans.
“We would love Richie home as soon as we can. There are contracts. We respect those. He’s employed by Toshiba currently but we’ll be involved in conversations to see what’s possible.”