All Blacks' fly-half Richie Mo‘unga states that the 2027 Rugby World Cup is his primary objective, which might significantly support coach Scott Robertson.
In a brief segment from Sky Sport NZ The ex-Crusaders player, now playing for Toshiba Brave Lupus in Japan, has disclosed his desire to participate in the international competition in Australia.
Mo’unga is currently under a three-year agreement with Toshiba, set to conclude halfway through 2026 – roughly a year prior to the beginning of the following World Cup .
Questions arose regarding the pivot's prospects and his goals on an international level when he decided to stay in Japan even though negotiations with New Zealand Rugby were happening. However, he has recently clarified his intentions firmly.
Mo’unga admission
“I definitely aspire to compete in another Rugby World Cup,” he stated. “This isn’t something new; these are sentiments that have never left my lips before now.”
In the video snippet, it didn’t disclose which nation he aims to represent; however, speculations are building around a possible shift to either Tonga or Samoa — countries he could qualify for by the end of 2026. Nonetheless, this leaves New Zealand Rugby uncertain about his future plans. Robertson with an opportunity.
No doubt the All Blacks Mo'unga would be the top pick, and since the governing body couldn’t lure him back prematurely from his contract in Japan, they’ll likely try hard to entice him next year instead.
If that occurs, they will acquire a player teeming with desire and ambition after reigniting his passion for the game during his time in Asia.
“I found a real true love for the game coming back to Japan. I wasn’t someone over here trying to prove something,” he said.
“I was I guess more in a giving phase where I wanted to help develop players, I wanted to help develop coaches and develop a team.”
Scott Robertson and New Zealand Rugby address Richie Mo’unga ‘speculation’ as All Blacks boss reveals his wish ahead of 2027 Rugby World Cup
It is not an absolute guarantee that Mo’unga will return from Japan, given that he can continue to earn more money abroad and play for either Tonga or Samoa in 2027, but Robertson seems determined to bring him back home.
Despite the setback in late 2024 after NZR failed to agree a deal with the fly-half for an early release, the All Blacks boss appears keen to see the 30-year-old in Super Rugby once again.
“You want all your best players available,” Robertson told the Rugby Direct podcast.
“That’s what it takes to win a Rugby World Cup. You keep connected with all of them, it doesn’t matter where they’re at.
“I still get messages from the old players checking in. Sam Cane has had his time but he’s a prime example. He’s asking how everything is going in the off-season.
“But yeah, you just want your best players.”
Robertson and Mo’unga connection
Robertson and Mo’unga combined in spectacular fashion when the duo worked together at the Crusaders as they dominated Super Rugby.
And ultimately it is another reason why the playmaker may choose to return to New Zealand, where they could potentially link up once more.
The 30-year-old admitted ahead of the series against England last year that seeing Robertson’s first ever All Blacks team being announced was making him yearn for a return to Test rugby.
“I signed for three years with Toshiba and my intentions were, ‘yep, I’m going do the three years’,” the fly-half told Stuff in July 2024.
“[But] obviously with ‘Razor’ [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.”
He commented, "When The All Blacks squad was recently announced, you can't help but feel a little FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). You begin to ponder how it might feel to be part of the team competing against England this weekend."
I'm nowhere near done with my football career. I feel as though I am at the peak of my abilities, so the idea of not being able to play for the top team in our nation is incredibly tough to accept. However, it was a choice I made when deciding to move to Japan.
READ MORE: Richie Mo'unga of the All Blacks may make an unexpected World Cup move following his refusal to return to New Zealand prematurely.