Richie Mo'unga signs new deal with New Zealand Rugby

Where have you been reading Ben? Quality of site matters a lot, plenty of trolls on NZ news sites. I think only over the line (love that movie) is negative here, but that’s just because he thinks Richie will fail to deliver again in a knockout match. He’s not against the signing or player perse (just how it’s going to cause Razor to behave).

If you’re just referring to the lack of excitement, well, we’ve just learnt that you can’t get excited for returning players in general. Youve also got the downsides, lost revenue, lack of development for players that are just as good like Dmac and Love etc.

Kevin Pietersen is a great example though, England didn’t win anything with him during that era right, despite all his good looking knocks?

If you read all the negative comments, you will see that ninety percent are from supporters who live in the Chiefs region who absolutely hate all things Crusader after 30 years of getting spanked.

Has it been confirmed when the tour is? Google AI isn’t giving my any dates.

Mo’unga will be eligible to return to the All Blacks in October 2026

He’s not going to be available before that SC, thats straight from the horses mouth. I really think the tour must be after some RC/Bledisloe games, maybe finishing in Nov?

I had mistakingly been thinkingOctober was before September though lol

Given Rugby NZ's immovable stance on ABs eligibility, I doubt that granting an exemption will be a part of formal contract negotiations, for any returning player. Of course, Razor will retain the option to apply for one should there be injury issues at the time. All incumbent of course on Richie being selected on merit.

What other 10s

He’ll tour SA. There is no way on earth NZR wouldn’t bend/tweak/nudge the rules to get him as ready as possible for WC.

Probably doesn’t optimize as a team our potential for 27 but I can’t see it being nothing but a positive for the WC he was class in u20s and class right thru till Japan and if SA is on the list as an exemption I’m sure he will be class in that

He’s cutting it fine isn’t he SK?

Especially when he knew he would be the guy with Razor as coach, did his manager assume NZR would fold and get him back earlier? It usually takes a season for players to get back to their best after a stint in japan so I hope he can get back to speed asap.

I understand he may not have gotten the sabbatical deal he wanted and must have been offered a sack of cash to go to Japan. But three seasons there, leaving just an end of year tour and shortened rugby Championship of tests for him (plus the combinations and game plan around the first five) to prepare for RWC 27 was an interesting move.

Now you’ve gone and upset him again. You know how he gets when confronted with facts.

Hahah fair play to you

There isnt a difference. LF isn’t available for NZ till Oct this year. Mounga nor available till next October.

He has played way more games for ABs it was the same with Beaudie

I sincerely hope that both Mo'unga & Faianganuku are fast tracked back into the AB frame on their return to NZ shores. Two superb players who will add much to NZs World Cup prospects and fill current gaps in their preferred positions.