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Live sport on SN this weekendRichie Mo’unga called into All Blacks squad for South Africa tour
Sport Nation • August 13th, 2026 12:43 pm
Richie Mo'unga is required to play NPC to be eligible for All Blacks selection | Photo: Michael Thomas/Photosport
Richie Mo’unga is on his way to South Africa after being called into the All Blacks squad as an injury replacement.
The Canterbury first five-eighth will join the All Blacks after Billy Proctor fractured his shoulder against the Stormers, resulting in the Hurricanes' midfielder returning to New Zealand.
Mo’unga was originally named to play for Canterbury in Saturday’s Ranfurly Shield defence against Bay of Plenty, but will now fly to Johannesburg, where he is scheduled to arrive on Friday.
"We really feel for Billy," said head coach Dave Rennie in a statement. "He has had a great season so this is frustrating for him.
"It is the harsh reality of our game. We wish him all the best with his recovery and hope to see him fit and well in time for the end of year tour selection.
"Richie is the obvious choice as a replacement. His job now is to get in and learn our systems, get his head around the detail and earn the right to play."
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Damian McKenzie, one of four first-fives in the New Zealand touring squad, also has a minor ankle injury.
The 31-year-old returned to New Zealand rugby this month after three years playing in Japan, marking his comeback with the match-winning try against Auckland before starting in Canterbury’s Ranfurly Shield victory over Otago.
Mo’unga has already attended an All Blacks camp this year and is now eligible for selection after completing his required return to New Zealand rugby.
The last of his 56 Test caps was in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final against South Africa.
