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Mo'unga's decision to stay in Japan speaks volumes about pulling power of All Blacks jersey
Sport Nation • January 23rd, 2025 10:30 am
Richie Mo'unga is now plying his trade in Japan I Photo: Supplied
Richie Mo'unga has reportedly shut the door on an early return from Japan to NZ rugby.
Speculation swirled throughout 2024 that the 56-Test international would depart midway through his deal with Toshiba Brave Lupus back to New Zealand to reunite with Scott Robertson and provide a surefire option in the No. 10 jersey, which never truly found its home under the new head coach.
But according to 1News, negotiations with NZ Rugby over an early exit broke down, and the Crusaders great will play out the final year of his deal in Japan.
His three-year contract with Toshiba - reportedly worth over $2 million per season - ends in June 2026, meaning Mo'unga could still be back in time for the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
Both Robertson and NZR CEO Mark Robinson reportedly traveled to Tokyo last year to try and facilitate Mo'unga's return in time for the July series against France, talks which were ultimately unsuccessful.
Mo'unga's zag speaks volumes about the reality of the mythical "power of the black jersey" and its pulling power in the context of modern professional rugby, says Sport Nation's Scotty Stevenson.
"You are the All Blacks and you are New Zealand rugby and you are purportedly the most famous rugby team in the world - and they talk ad nauseam about the power of the black jersey. How many times do we hear this? The same old line," Stevenson said on Scotty & Izzy.
"You go up to Japan and you say to a guy, not just any guy, the guy who you won seven titles with, 'we want you back. We want to work out a deal'. His club supposedly said, 'go with our good graces. If that's what you really want, we're not going to stop you' - and somehow New Zealand rugby can't get this over the line.
"What does that say about the attraction of playing Test match rugby for the All Blacks?
"Richie Mo'unga is on a great salary by all accounts in Japan. That's great.
"But what does it say when your No. 1 target turns you down? Your No. 1 target for the most famous rugby team in the world turns you down?"
The decision leaves Robertson's first-five stocks decidedly shaky. Beauden Barrett and Damian McKenzie had their moments last year but neither staked an undeniable claim at the position, while Stephen Perofeta hasn yet to prove his value at Test level.
Meanwhile, third choice Harry Plummer's imminent departure - which he admitted was influenced by Mo'unga's widely expected comeback - for Clermont Auvergne further dilutes that pool.
The situation will undoubtedly reignite discussion over NZR's contentious stance on not allowing players based overseas to represent the All Blacks.
