Richie Mo’unga return to New Zealand rugby and All Blacks

After three seasons playing for Japan’s Toshiba Brave Lupus, fly-half Richie Mo’unga returned to New Zealand rugby to play for Canterbury in the National Provincial Championship. His performance, which included a decisive winning try against Auckland, re-established his eligibility for national selection.

Following this return to domestic play, Mo’unga was officially recalled to the All Blacks squad. He joined the team as an injury replacement for the upcoming rugby tours of South Africa and the United States, following a shoulder injury to midfielder Billy Proctor and fitness concerns regarding Damian McKenzie.

Mo’unga, 32, joins the squad for the “Greatest Rivalry” tour in South Africa, marking his first representation of New Zealand since the 2023 Rugby World Cup. His inclusion provides depth to a playmaker group consisting of Ruben Love, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, and Josh Jacomb. Head coach Dave Rennie indicated that the circumstances surrounding his return may prompt a review of eligibility policies regarding players based overseas. The tour, which includes a final Test match in the United States, operates independently of the standard Rugby Championship to prioritize high-yield matchups between the All Blacks and the Springboks.