Scott Robertson breaks silence on Richie Mo’unga’s return as All Blacks boss issues ‘big boys’ message to Barrett and McKenzie
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson and fly-half Richie Mo'unga, who is returning from Japan.
Scott Robertson has opened up on the Richie Mo’unga deal and what it means for fellow All Blacks fly-halves Damian McKenzie and Beauden Barrett.
Mo’unga has signed an 18-month deal with New Zealand Rugby looking towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup and will return home midway through 2026.
The former Crusaders pivot is currently in Japan having agreed a three-year contract with Toshiba Brave Lupus, joining the club after their defeat in the final of the 2023 World Cup.
Robertson, who officially became All Blacks boss not long after that Springboks loss, has been desperate to get his favourite son back to New Zealand after they formed a tight bond during their time together at the Christchurch outfit.
Robertson-Mo’unga dynasty
The Crusaders won seven Super Rugby titles in a row with those two in situ and after a long, drawn-out saga, they will finally reunite next year.
He adds to their fly-half depth with Beauden Barrett and Damian McKenzie, who are two outstanding playmakers, currently competing for the shirt.
Barrett and McKenzie may not be best pleased, firstly with Robertson’s desperation to get Mo’unga back and then his re-signing.
There must have been a temptation to throw their toys out of the pram, but the head coach believes that they are far too professional for a response like that.
For the first time, Robertson addressed the impact it may have on the incumbents, saying: “They’re big boys, they know the game. That’s professionalism, we’re here to compete.
“The jersey is bigger than everyone. Everyone knows it’s always earned. That’s the exciting thing about it.”
All Blacks Project 4-4-4
The decision to bring Mo’unga back forms part of Robertson’s Project 4-4-4, which aims to get four players for every position over these four years to win the All Blacks a fourth World Cup.
New Zealand’s head coach has placed a big emphasis on building his side’s depth ahead of the 2027 global tournament in Australia and
“Everyone’s just really, really pleased,” Robertson added. “New Zealand rugby is pleased in general that he’s coming back into our game.
“He’s going to be around for a Rugby World Cup. He’s served our country for a long time and he’s going to come back and do it again.
“One thing we’re really proud of is the retention of our players. We’ve got a group of guys who are hugely committed to the All Blacks.
“It’s great to have another one back.”
