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Richie Mo'unga sets sights on All Blacks return
Savannah Lendich Jonkers • July 29th, 2026 1:13 pm
Richie Mo'unga | Photo: Photosport
While Richie Mo'unga has spent the past three seasons playing rugby in Japan, the star first-five now turns his attention back to New Zealand and looks to make an All Blacks return.
To be eligible for the All Blacks a player must be contracted directly to New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and play domestic rugby, and due to his three-year stint overseas, Mo'unga is currently ineligible for selection until October 2026.
Under the terms of his 18-month return contract, he must first play domestic provincial rugby before becoming available for national selection.
Mo'unga, who is widely regarded as one of the best No. 10's in the game, will come through the Canterbury NPC team, where he will aim to prove he is ready to once again compete at the highest level.
Richie Mo'unga | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
“Ever since I signed back with New Zealand Rugby, it's been in my mind what the comeback would look like,” he told Sport Nation’s Scotty & Izzy.
While his time in Japan has provided valuable lessons, Mo'unga believes the core of his game remains the same.
“My style of footy hasn't changed, so I'm real optimistic in what I try to do, and I'm still a competitive player, just striving to be the best I can and hopefully I can show people that here back in New Zealand.”
Despite the eligibility process, Mo'unga said his focus remains on how he can work toward his ultimate goal of representing the All Blacks at another Rugby World Cup - with the next in 2027.
“I've been through different scenarios, every scenario possible, and it just comes back to just controlling what I can control, like it is what it is. They have a process and then the rules and the eligibility.
“I've got my sight set on being at a World Cup and lifting the trophy along with the All Blacks and if this is part of the journey and this is a part of the process, then so be it.”
Why Richie Mo'unga's return is so critical to the All Blacks' World Cup cause | Scotty & Izzy
For now, Mo'unga is embracing the chance to play rugby back at home in Christchurch, where he will begin the next stage of his return.
“All that aside, I'm just playing footy man. I'm playing the game I love. I get to do it at home in Christchurch at One New Zealand stadium, which is special.
“Make no mistake. I'm still the same Richie that was here three seasons ago wanting to win every competition I play in so that's still the same.”
Listen to the full interview below:
