Richie Mo’unga talks hit dreaded ‘impasse’ as All Blacks fly-half becomes victim of New Zealand Rugby’s ‘loyalty programme’
Richie Mo'unga in action during 2023 Rugby World Cup and during his time in Japan.
Richie Mo’unga’s possible return to New Zealand has hit yet another stumbling block, according to a report, with it not certain the fly-half will head back home.
Scott Robertson is desperate for the playmaker to re-sign with New Zealand Rugby and put himself back in the All Blacks equation.
It has already been a year-long saga as they attempted to prise him away from his Japan deal in 2024, but that fell through.
As a result, Mo’unga will see out his contract with Toshiba Brave Lupus, which ends midway through 2026.
After that has been completed, the 31-year-old was expected to go back to New Zealand and challenge for a Test spot ahead of the Rugby World Cup.
Mo’unga talks stall
That could still happen but, according to New Zealand Herald, discussions are at an ‘impasse’ over concerns around his eligibility.
Most current All Blacks that head abroad do so on a sabbatical as part of their deal with the governing body. As a result, they are made immediately available to Robertson once they return from their sojourn.
That is different for Mo’unga, who effectively ended ties with NZR when he agreed a long-term contract in Asia.
As things currently stand, the number 10 could sign with the governing body but not be allowed to play for the All Blacks until later in 2026.
In what has been described as a ‘loyalty programme’, his situation is different to the likes of Ardie Savea, Jordie Barrett and Beauden Barrett, who all had short stints overseas.
It means Mo’unga could feasibly miss the mid-year Tests, as well as the start of the Rugby Championship, even if he is technically contracted to New Zealand Rugby.
The Bledisloe Cup around September and October time are the games he would be able to return for, unless the governing body grant Robertson an exemption to select him. However, that is typically only used when they have an injury crisis.
Leicester Fainga’anuku, who spent 18 months at Toulon following the 2023 Rugby World Cup, has found himself in a similar scenario.
The centre or wing may be back in New Zealand having re-signed for the Crusaders but he has been ruled ineligible for the Rugby Championship.
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This Mo’unga situation is therefore causing an issue, with talks between the respective parties stalling.
While the 31-year-old would still be able to play in several Tests prior to the 2027 World Cup, it certainly makes Robertson’s job harder.
The head coach is already planning for that tournament and they have two fine fly-halves in Damian McKenzie and Beauden Barrett.
World Cup plans and hopes
It begs the question as to whether the All Blacks would want to add another name to the mix just a year out from the World Cup and potentially cause confusion.
Mo’unga has expressed a keen desire to feature in Australia in 2027, telling Sky Sport NZ in March: “Obviously, I want to play in another Rugby World Cup.”
However, by the end of 2026, he would be eligible for three countries – New Zealand, Samoa and Tonga.
Due to his Pacific Island ancestry, the playmaker would qualify for the latter two nations after completing World Rugby’s three-year stand down period having not featured for the All Blacks since October 2023.
He could therefore earn more money abroad while also guaranteeing himself a spot in either the Samoan or Tongan squads and, given the current situation, it is not out of the question.
