Richie Mo’unga opens up on ‘devastating’ World Cup final and All Blacks return

Fly-half Richie Mo’unga has opened up about his return to New Zealand and his determination to win the 2027 Men's Rugby World Cup after the devastating 12-11 loss to South Africa in the 2023 final. Following a three-year stint in Japan playing for Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo, the 32-year-old playmaker was recalled to the All Blacks squad by coach Dave Rennie in August 2026.

Mo’unga regained national eligibility after featuring for Canterbury in the NPC and subsequently signed an 18-month deal with New Zealand Rugby, the Crusaders, and Canterbury. He featured against the Lions and the Springboks during Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series, explaining that his primary motivation for returning home is to push himself at the highest level and avoid career regrets.