RICHIE MO’UNGA MAKES ALL BLACKS ADMISSION ON DAY OF SCOTT ROBERTSON’S FIRST TEAM SELECTION
Star fly-half Richie Mo’unga has expressed a desire to don the All Blacks jersey once again after departing New Zealand following the Rugby World Cup.
The playmaker decided to sign for Japanese side Toshiba Brave Lupus on a three-year contract, thus forgoing the chance to represent his country over the next few seasons.
Mo’unga would be 32 by the time his contract expires, potentially making it difficult to force his way back in should he want to return ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
However, both New Zealand Rugby and head coach Scott Robertson want him back in black and have implied that an early return is possible.
Several factors
The 30-year-old confirmed that “conversions” are currently happening between the relevant parties, but he has a number of factors to consider.
“I signed for three years with Toshiba and my intentions were, ‘Yep, I’m going do the three years’,” Mo’unga told Stuff.
“[But] obviously with ‘Razor’ [All Blacks coach Scott Robertson] coming along and saying he’d love to have me back home, it’s just given me another opportunity to think about where I’m at with my footy.
“I obviously had a really successful year in my first year and I’m trying to weigh up the options of what would be best for my family, but also what would be best for my footy as well.
“So, those conversations are still happening and to be honest there’ll be no rush before we all come to a decision.”
Mo’unga was coincidentally speaking on the same day that Robertson announced his first-ever All Blacks 23 ahead of their game with England.
Damian McKenzie was selected as the fly-half with Beauden Barrett and Stephen Perofeta covering that position should he go down injured.
‘FOMO’
“I am loving my time in Japan. It’s awesome,” Mo’unga added.
“But then for the All Blacks who have just been named, you get a bit of FOMO (fear of missing out) and you start to wonder what it would be like if you were in the team playing against England this weekend.
“I’m far from finished with my footy. I feel like I’m in my prime, so having that thought of not being able to play for the best team in your country is really hard to take, but it’s the decision I made heading over to Japan.
“I knew that these are the things that I would have to sacrifice in order to get those experiences with my family and to be refreshed with my footy.
“So it’s all part of the greater plan.”
2024-07-04T11:42:46Z dg43tfdfdgfd