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NZ Rugby says no to Mo'unga against Springboks, despite Rennie's push
Alex Chapman • May 12th, 2026 11:57 am
Richie Mo'unga | Photo: Photosport
All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has revealed he would pick Richie Mo'unga for the All Blacks tour to South Africa - had he been allowed to.
As first reported by Sport Nation last week, New Zealand Rugby is holding firm on its All Blacks eligibility stance, meaning the first five won’t be selected for the upcoming Nations League series or tour to South Africa as part of 'Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry'.
NZR’s current position states that unless granted a sabbatical, players must be contracted to a New Zealand-based Super Rugby Pacific side to be eligible for the All Blacks.
It means those who reside overseas full-time can’t be picked, or, should they choose to return to New Zealand, must meet certain criteria to return to play and are often treated on a case-by-case basis, with a hiatus often enforced.
It was announced last August that Mo’unga had signed an 18-month contract with NZR to return home from July, after spending the past three years with Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo in Japan.
It’s understood Rennie and newly appointed CEO Steve Lancaster have had ongoing discussions about Mo’unga’s conditions.
However, while NZR continues to welcome such conversations, the approach remains the same. The setting of a precedent, and the protection of the system in New Zealand, are understood to be among the reasons for the stance.
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That’s despite the All Blacks coach being keen to select the pivot for the tour to South Africa, which runs at roughly the same time as the NPC.
Canterbury open their season on August 1 against Auckland, with the opening match against the Stormers on August 7. Speaking to media on Tuesday, Rennie said he wasn’t considering selecting Mo’unga for the Nations Cup matches in July against France, Italy and Ireland.
However, he did confirm Mo’unga would have been on the plane to the Republic. “We’ve got good depth there, guys who are currently playing," Rennie said.
"But the thinking would be Richie would be in the group, getting his head around that, include him in the squad to Africa and probably play him against the Stormers first game and let him earn the right to fight for a Test spot.
“But obviously the criteria means he can’t do that. We’re still hoping to get him in so he can get his head around things.” That’s not to say the door is entirely shut on Mo’unga for 2026.
While playing NPC for Canterbury would put him in contention for the end-of-year tour, Sport Nation understands NZR wouldn’t rule out allowing Mo’unga to be selected earlier should injuries occur.
A similar case was seen last year with Leicester Fainga'anuku when he was fast-tracked into the squad after the All Blacks suffered several injuries to their back three during the Rugby Championship.
The NZR board granted approval, with it believed a similar process would occur should Mo’unga, or another recommitted but overseas-based player, need to be called up. Rennie’s aware it could be put on the table.
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“Maybe if there are injuries there’s an option to bring him in, but he’s got his head around it, he’s prepared to go play in the NPC.
"We’ve accepted that situation and understand New Zealand’s mindset around it. We’ll just get on with it now.”
One player who definitely won’t be part of the 44-man squad heading to South Africa is Brodie Retallick, a man Rennie labelled as “the best player in Japan” and “best lock in the world”.
Speaking at his first press conference as All Blacks coach in March, Rennie surprised many by suggesting he would consider picking the 34-year-old, who he works with in Japan at Kobe.
Rennie clarified on Tuesday that he “was always talking about maybe a World Cup”, with the ongoing and consistent long-distance travel a major factor for Retallick.
“The biggest travel Brodie does nowadays is on the Shinkansen to Tokyo, so we’re away one night.”
Brodie Retallick in action for Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo | Photo: Photosport
That travel time from Kobe to Tokyo is roughly two and a half hours. It’s understood — and Rennie confirmed — that his predecessor, Scott Robertson, approached Retallick last year about returning to play for the All Blacks, though he was turned down.
“We’ve got 150-odd days in hotels this year, so that wouldn’t excite the big man. “
I guess we’ll continue to have discussions around whether there will be any versatility or flexibility around a guy like Brodie, who played 12 years of Test rugby, 12 years of Super Rugby and has made a massive contribution to rugby here. I reckon he’s earned the right.
"If he was available, if the system allowed, and if he was playing well enough, he could potentially be available next year.”
It’s a subject Rennie is keen to kick for touch on until 2027.
“I’m not sure if Kobe will be too excited about this conversation, but it is in the off-season. “I wind Brodie up about it all the time. I know he loves the All Blacks and I reckon he’s good enough, so it would obviously take discussions.
"We’ll push that out the back for the moment, focus on this year, and then we’ll talk about Brodie next year.”
Watch the full press conference:
