Richie Mo’unga says he’s “optimistic” that he will be able to go on the All Blacks’ historic extended tour of South Africa next year – even though his New Zealand Rugby contract means he’s not technically eligible until October 2026.
The 56-Test playmaker told 1News he was keen to get back in the fold with Scott Robertson’s team.
“That South African tour would be something special to be part of,” Mo’unga said.
“Hey, we’ll see what happens… I’m still very optimistic that something might happen and I might be available for that tour. So, I’m still hopeful.”
Mo’unga signed an 18-month contract with NZR that runs from mid-2026 through the end of the 2027 season, returning from Japan to play NPC for Canterbury before linking up with the Crusaders for 2027. Under that deal, he can’t be picked for the All Blacks until late 2026.
“I get the rules that have been put in place and I guess I have to come to grips with that. But that tour is something I’d love to be part of,” Mo’unga said.
Mo’unga was the most significant name in NZR’s retention push this year, with Robertson openly viewing him as a key player for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. But Mo’unga insists he doesn’t expect to walk straight back into the No.10 jersey.
“I’m going home to give myself the best chance to play for the All Blacks again but I understand it’s not a given,” Mou’unga said.
“It’s hard seeing articles when I re-signed with New Zealand Rugby about being possibly being the No.10 for the All Blacks or who’s in the way.
“I really want to get a good season under my belt. Going back, it’s about earning the respect of current All Blacks and the management and letting them know I’m still capable of playing some good rugby.”
He added he was prepared to play a full NPC season for Canterbury to earn his spot.
“I have no expectation of walking straight back into that team. I’m willing to play a whole season to earn the right. That’s my mentality. I’m not just walking in… I really want to earn the respect and trust because the team has changed so much.”
Mo’unga has been in superb form in Japan, steering Toshiba Brave Lupus to back-to-back League One titles while working under Todd Blackadder. And while he believes his skillset has sharpened, he thinks his biggest growth has come away from the highlight reels.
“I’ve become more of a leader,” he said. “I’ve had to step up in a lot of different areas off the rugby field, how the schedule is run, what our game plan looks like, how I can make our halfbacks better, what skills the team needs.”
Japan’s different tactical approach has helped broaden his rugby intelligence.
“I’m working with our forwards a lot more than I usually would back in New Zealand. Sometimes lineouts and scrums struggle here, so you come up with plans to help that. It has taught me that there’s not just one way to play the game,” Mo’unga said.
The Roarhttps://www.theroar.com.au/2025/11/25/earn-the-right-all-blacks-star-wants-shot-at-south-africa-tour-despite-contract-blocker/‘Earn the right’: All Blacks star wants shot at South Africa tour despite contract blocker
Post a Comment