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'There’s no better feeling than being in the arena': Mo'unga back in black
Jaxin Daniels • August 24th, 2026 12:06 pm
Richie Mo'unga | Photo: Photosport
Richie Mo’unga says watching the All Blacks from Japan helped convince him to return to the international arena.
The playmaker is back in the All Blacks environment after spending the past few years in Japan, and is preparing for his return to the black jersey on Tuesday.
“It’s really special. It's been a long time,” Mo’unga said.
“I'm just really grateful to be back in this environment.”
Mo’unga said Japan had given him a different perspective, both as a player and as a person.
“Japan gave me a lot of perspective, a lot of different experiences that I haven't experienced in New Zealand,” he said.
“I've grown so much as a person, as a father and as a husband, which has been pretty special the last few years.”
The decision to return began to take shape while Mo’unga was watching the Six Nations.
“Probably sitting in Japan one night, watching Six Nations, and just understanding that there's no better feeling than being in the arena,” he said.
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Mo’unga said he wanted another chance to compete at the highest level and avoid any regrets about stepping away.
“One reason for coming back was you know obviously to win a World Cup but to not have any regrets of geez I wish I gave it another crack or maybe there was a bit more to give.”
The emotion of returning hit home during the national anthem before the All Blacks’ latest match.
“That was that moment, it was like, geez, this is why I wanted to come back,” Mo’unga said.
“That feeling of adding to the legacy and that feeling of testing yourself against the best in the world.”
Although his return has naturally raised questions about the No. 10 jersey, Mo’unga said his focus was on contributing to the team rather than reclaiming his old position immediately.
“It's not about trying to get back in the 10 jersey. It's really nailing my role at this moment,” he said.
That role has included helping teammates prepare, getting up to speed with the team’s systems and supporting the wider group.
“I'm really competitive, but I'm also a team man who, whoever gets the role, gets the role,” Mo’unga said. “And if it's not me, I'll do anything I can to help them succeed.”
Ruben Love (right) is making the No. 10 jersey his own | Photo: AP
Mo’unga said the competition within the squad remained strong, but he was focused on taking his opportunity when it came.
“I'm competitive, I want to be the best and I know that there's a process to that,” he said.
“It's important you play the game not the occasion and just go out and be free.”
Mo’unga has also been impressed by the current All Blacks group, describing the environment as different from the one he left.
“There's an awesome buzz within this group,” he said. “The leaders are doing a really awesome job at leading this team, and you've got guys just ready to go to put their hand up.”
He said he had quickly adapted to the team’s style of play and was excited by the freedom given to players.
“I love it, the ability for the boys to have licence to play what they see,” Mo’unga said.
“And then some of the DNA around defence and, you know, getting their bodies in front, it's really excited.”
The return has also given Mo’unga the chance to work with former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga, who is part of the coaching set-up.
“I love his character and the way he presents to the boys, sort of the mana that he holds,” Mo’unga said.
“It's awesome. It's really cool to have him in, and it's cool to get to know him.”
After spending time away from the All Blacks, Mo’unga says he is determined to appreciate every moment of his return.
“Wiser, a little bit older,” he said. “Just really savouring every moment and just not going to take these things for granted.”
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