All Blacks fly-half Richie Mo’unga, currently playing for Toshiba Brave Lupus in Japan, has declared his ambition to play in the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. HIs desire to make a comeback into the All Blacks team opens the doors on his international future after opting to remain in Japan despite discussions with New Zealand Rugby.
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has expressed his desire to have Mo’unga back in New Zealand, potentially reuniting the successful partnership they forged at the Crusaders. Mo’unga’s current contract with Toshiba ends mid-2026, leaving him eligible to play for Tonga or Samoa in the 2027 World Cup, but his preference appears to be returning to the All Blacks.
He confirmed his World Cup ambitions in an interview with Sky Sport NZ. "I want to play in another World Cup. I do bro, and I’m not just saying that. I really want to play in another Rugby World Cup and that’s the thing you miss here in Japan, the world stage, really testing yourself against the best of the best of the world,” said Mo'unga. He is currently playing in his second season with Japan's Toshiba Brave Lupus after unsuccessful negotiations to bring him back to New Zealand early.
Mo’unga’s last appearance for the All Blacks was in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, a one-point loss to South Africa. His three-year contract with Toshiba Brave Lupus will conclude midway through 2026.
Robertson acknowledges the importance of having the best players available for the World Cup. He remains in contact with former players, citing Sam Cane as an example.
Robertson and Mo’unga achieved significant success together at the Crusaders, dominating Super Rugby.
Mo’unga admitted in 2024 that Robertson's appointment as All Blacks coach and the announcement of the first All Blacks squad under Robertson made him consider returning to Test rugby.
While in Japan, Mo’unga led Toshiba Brave Lupus to victory against the undefeated Saitama Wild Knights in the League One final in his first season.
Claiming that he rediscovered his love for the game while playing in Japan, Mo'unga emphasized his focus on contributing to the development of players, coaches, and the team.
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has expressed his desire to have Mo’unga back in New Zealand, potentially reuniting the successful partnership they forged at the Crusaders. Mo’unga’s current contract with Toshiba ends mid-2026, leaving him eligible to play for Tonga or Samoa in the 2027 World Cup, but his preference appears to be returning to the All Blacks.
He confirmed his World Cup ambitions in an interview with Sky Sport NZ. "I want to play in another World Cup. I do bro, and I’m not just saying that. I really want to play in another Rugby World Cup and that’s the thing you miss here in Japan, the world stage, really testing yourself against the best of the best of the world,” said Mo'unga. He is currently playing in his second season with Japan's Toshiba Brave Lupus after unsuccessful negotiations to bring him back to New Zealand early.
Mo’unga’s last appearance for the All Blacks was in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, a one-point loss to South Africa. His three-year contract with Toshiba Brave Lupus will conclude midway through 2026.
Robertson acknowledges the importance of having the best players available for the World Cup. He remains in contact with former players, citing Sam Cane as an example.
Robertson and Mo’unga achieved significant success together at the Crusaders, dominating Super Rugby.
Mo’unga admitted in 2024 that Robertson's appointment as All Blacks coach and the announcement of the first All Blacks squad under Robertson made him consider returning to Test rugby.
While in Japan, Mo’unga led Toshiba Brave Lupus to victory against the undefeated Saitama Wild Knights in the League One final in his first season.
Claiming that he rediscovered his love for the game while playing in Japan, Mo'unga emphasized his focus on contributing to the development of players, coaches, and the team.
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