Richie Mo’unga on All Blacks Return, Japan, and Scott Robertson

Richie Mo’unga has signed an 18-month deal with New Zealand Rugby to return home from Japan, with the fly-half targeting a place in the squad for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

The 31-year-old, who has been playing for Toshiba Brave Lupus in Japan since the 2023 World Cup, will conclude his third season in the Japan Rugby League One before returning to New Zealand in July 2026.

Mo’unga’s return marks the end of protracted negotiations between the player and New Zealand Rugby. The deal is specifically structured to ensure the fly-half is available for the next World Cup cycle, though his path back to the national team involves a mandatory period of domestic rugby.

Eligibility and Return Timeline

Despite his return to New Zealand this summer, Mo’unga will not be granted an immediate exemption to represent the All Blacks. Under the terms of his return, he will first be required to play in the National Provincial Championship (NPC) with Canterbury.

New Zealand Rugby has stated that Mo’unga will not be eligible for national selection until October 2026. This timeline means the fly-half will miss the new Nations Championship and the upcoming tour of South Africa in August 2026, an event described as the Greatest Rivalry tour.

Following his stint in the NPC, Mo’unga is expected to spend a season back with the Crusaders before the 2027 tournament in Australia.

I got to a point where I’m really happy with what I’m doing here in Japan, but I didn’t want to look back in ten years’ time and have any regrets and think I should have done this, I should have that. And if I hadn’t given myself the chance to play the World Cup again, I think that would have been a massive regret for me. That’s a big reason why I’m going home.

Richie Mo’unga to Rugby World

Reunion with Scott Robertson

The return facilitates a reunion between Mo’unga and All Blacks coach Scott Robertson. The pair shared significant success during their time together at the Crusaders, where Mo’unga played 109 games and won seven titles.

Robertson has previously expressed his desire to have Mo’unga back in the national setup. The arrival of the experienced fly-half is expected to create significant competition for the number 10 jersey, impacting the roles of current All Blacks fly-halves Damian McKenzie and Beauden Barrett.

Mo’unga brings a wealth of international experience to the squad, having earned 56 test caps for New Zealand prior to his move to Japan.

Domestic and International Outlook

Mo’unga indicated in a statement that he is looking forward to completing his final season with Toshiba Brave Lupus before returning to represent Canterbury, the province he credited for giving him a great deal in his career.

While he will miss the immediate international window in August 2026, his return in October aligns with the preparation phase for the 2027 World Cup. Mo’unga has expressed a desire to lead New Zealand to glory in the upcoming tournament in Australia, viewing the opportunity to compete in another World Cup as a primary motivator for his return to New Zealand.