Crusaders hang onto Mo’unga

Editor

Crusaders fly-half Richie Mo’unga has committed to furthering his career at the club till the 2019 Super Rugby season.

The young play-maker had a standout debut season in 2016, playing in every game for the Crusaders and ended the 2016 Super Rugby as the competition’s fourth highest points scorer.

Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson says he was impressed with how Mo’unga grew in to his role in 2016 and is looking forward to seeing his game develop over the coming seasons.

"Richie is one of Super Rugby’s most exciting young stars," Robertson told the Crusaders website. 

"He has talent to burn, is composed under pressure and has a mature head on such young shoulders. He exceeded expectations in his debut season and has the ability to be an important player in the future of Crusaders rugby.

"We have a proud history of producing exceptional fly-halves at the Crusaders and Richie has the potential to be among them."

Mo’unga has made quick progress through the rugby ranks, going straight from school boy rugby to the Canterbury provincial team in 2013, and then making his Super Rugby debut last year at just 21 years of age.

Mo’unga says, as a Christchurch boy who grew up watching his heroes play for this team, he felt honoured to sign on for the Crusaders for an additional two seasons.

"Growing up in Christchurch it was always a dream of mine to play for the Crusaders and having realised that dream in 2016 I am looking forward to taking the next step in my Super Rugby career," he said.

"I still have plenty to learn but I believe this is the best environment for me to develop my game. The opportunity to represent my home team over the next few seasons is a huge privilege and one I do not take for granted."