NZ Rugby insist that returning fly-half Richie Mo\u2019unga will not be allowed to feature for the All Blacks until after their tour to South Africa.<\/p>\n
That is according to Steve Lancaster, who was recently appointed as the governing body\u2019s CEO. In his biggest statement since taking the role full-time, Lancaster is adamant that NZR will remain firm on their overseas policy.<\/p>\n
Mo\u2019unga returns before July Tests<\/p>\n
Mo\u2019unga will return from Japan ahead of the Nations Championship but, in accordance with New Zealand Rugby\u2019s current laws, he is not eligible until the Bledisloe Cup Tests with the Wallabies.<\/p>\n
That is at odds with new head coach Dave Rennie\u2019s desire, who unsurprisingly wants his best players available, but they are not changing their stance.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is something we regularly revisit with the board,\u201d Lancaster told Newstalk ZB. \u201cIt\u2019s a relevant thing for our board as governors of the game to regularly consider and reflect on.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe haven\u2019t asked the board to relax that policy around Richie. We think the policy works for us. It keeps our best players in New Zealand playing in our competitions.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve got some world-class players in the same position, and a number of those have committed to stay in New Zealand and play on the basis of the policy. We\u2019ve got to think about the implications of the policy and relaxing the policy at any point in time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Opinion: Dave Rennie is right, it\u2019s time to ditch New Zealand Rugby\u2019s outdated All Blacks policy<\/a><\/p>\n NZR stipulate that Mo\u2019unga<\/a> must first play for Canterbury in the NPC before being eligible for All Blacks<\/a> selection in October.<\/p>\n