Richie Mo’unga has revealed he turned down an approach to switch allegiances ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2027 to pen a new deal with New Zealand Rugby.
The 31-year-old has signed an 18-month contract with the NZRU, effective from July 2026, after deciding to leave Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo in Japan when his deal expires next year.
Voted MVP in Japan’s Rugby League One in 2025, Mo’unga has helped Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo win back-to-back titles and will be aiming for a three-peat before rejoining the Crusaders.
Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula on his Test eligibility and his uncle Richie Mo’unga
Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula chats with Finn Morton about how he qualifies for multiple countries, namely Samoa, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga, and about what it’s like having Richie Mo’unga as his uncle.
Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula on his Test eligibility and his uncle Richie Mo’unga
Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula chats with Finn Morton about how he qualifies for multiple countries, namely Samoa, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga, and about what it’s like having Richie Mo’unga as his uncle.
Capped 56 times, Mo’unga hasn’t played for the All Blacks since the final of the 2023 World Cup but is desperate to be involved in Australia in two years, which explains why he rejected approaches from all around the world, including Tonga, according to an article on RugbyJP.com.
Mo’unga’s late father was from Tonga and his mother is Samoan, so he would have been eligible to represent either nation from October 2026, after a three-year stand-down period from his last cap for the All Blacks.
“Yes, Tonga asked about Richie’s movements, but so did every other club in the World,” Mo’unga’s agent Cameron McIntyre told RugbyJP.com.
“Richie is committed to playing for the ABs in the RWC as his re-signing with NZR shows.”