Richie Mo’unga ‘impasse’ broken as fly-half re-signs with NZR but ideal scenario not reached in blow for Scott Robertson
Richie Mo'unga in action for the All Blacks and Crusaders
Richie Mo’unga has signed an 18-month deal with New Zealand Rugby (NZR) which will see him return from Japan midway through 2026 and compete for an All Blacks place ahead of the Rugby World Cup.
The fly-half, who left New Zealand following the 2023 global tournament after signing a three-year contract in Japan, will head back home next year.
Mo’unga will rejoin the Crusaders and Canterbury and be eligible for the 2026 NPC season, as well as the 2027 Super Rugby campaign.
‘Contributing to the environment on and off the field
“The Crusaders have always been a huge part of my life – not just as a player, but as a person,” the playmaker said.
“I can’t wait to return in 2027 and continue to build on the legacy of the franchise. I’m really looking forward to reconnecting with the fans and contributing to the environment both on and off the field.
“I’ve grown a lot during my time in Japan with Toshiba, both on and off the field. It’s been an incredible experience with my family that I’ll always be grateful for, and I’m really excited for one more season with them.”
Mo’unga’s return is no doubt a boost to New Zealand Rugby, but it is certainly not the ideal scenario for the All Blacks and head coach Scott Robertson.
The short-term nature of the contract means that the fly-half has not been allowed an exemption and will therefore not be available for Test rugby until October 2026.
As a result, the playmaker will miss the first part of the international season, which includes four Tests against the Springboks.
It will duly leave him just a short period of time to try and play his way into the All Blacks side for the World Cup in Australia in 2027.
However, it does bolster Robertson’s options from 2026 with the head coach also having Beauden Barrett and Damian McKenzie at his disposal.
“We’re really pleased to have Richie re-committing to New Zealand Rugby, the Crusaders and Canterbury Rugby,” NZR CEO Mark Robinson said.
“He’s a proven talent with a strong track record of performing on the biggest stages. His experience and leadership will be a tremendous asset in the environments he joins on his return to New Zealand.”
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Mo’unga leaving options open
Reports last week suggested that talks between the respective parties had hit an ‘impasse’ but that was evidently resolved, allowing Mo’unga to re-sign with New Zealand Rugby.
However, the fly-half wants to keep his options open and, having only committed until the end of the 2027 World Cup, his stay might be short-lived.
After signing his long-term deal in Japan prior to the global tournament in France, Mo’unga spoke about setting him and his family up financially, and it will be interesting to see what his next move will be post-2027 as teams no doubt fight for his signature.
