Crusaders-bound first five-eighth Richie Mo’unga has explained the “main reason” behind his decision to leave Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo in Japan, signing an 18-month deal with New Zealand Rugby from July 2026.

Mo’unga has committed to Canterbury in the NPC, will return to the Crusaders in Super Rugby Pacific, and will be eligible for the All Blacks from October 2026. The 31-year-old hasn’t represented the All Blacks since the 2023 Men’s Rugby World Cup Final at Stade de France.

After winning seven Super Rugby titles in as many years with the Crusaders, Mo’unga left New Zealand’s shores. Mo’unga put pen to paper on a three-year deal with Toshiba Brave Lupus in Japan Rugby League One, winning back-to-back titles with another season still to play.

NZR announced on August 7 that Mo’unga had signed, which could potentially see the playmaker reunite with former Crusaders coach Scott Robertson at the All Blacks. Robertson succeeded Ian Foter in the role after the 2023 World Cup.

In a video viewed more than 38,500 times on Instagram, Mo’unga explained his decision to return home.

“It’s pretty simple, I want to be involved in the World Cup,” Mo’unga said in an Instagram post shared by RugbyJP.com, Rugby Mashup and Alex Malcolm.

“The only way for me to do that is to go back home to New Zealand. That’s the main reason.”

Mo’unga brings a wealth of experience back to New Zealand, having played 56 Tests for the All Blacks between 2017 and 2023, which included two Rugby World Cups. The No. 10 has also notched up more than 50 games for Canterbury and 109 games total for the Crusaders.

In Japan, Mo’unga played 33 matches over two seasons. Mo’unga scored nine points in the 2024 Japan Rugby League One Final win over Saitama Wild Knights, before backing that up with a Player of the Match display in this year’s decider against Kubota Spears.

“We’re really pleased to have Richie re-committing to New Zealand Rugby, the Crusaders and Canterbury Rugby,” NZR Chief Mark Robinson explained in a statement when Mo’unga’s signing was announced.

“He’s a proven talent with a strong track record of performing on the biggest stages. His experience and leadership will be a tremendous asset in the environments he joins on his return to New Zealand.”