Richie Mo’unga is back in the All Blacks.
Almost three years after his last appearance for New Zealand, the experienced fly-half will wear the black jersey again when the All Blacks face the Lions at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
Mo’unga has been named at No.10 for the clash, marking his first appearance for New Zealand since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final against South Africa.
For the 32-year-old, the decision to return to international rugby was not made overnight. While playing in Japan, Mo’unga found himself watching Test rugby from the outside and realised just how much he missed it.
Watching the Six Nations changed everything for Richie Mo’unga
Mo’unga spent the past three seasons in Japan with Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo after leaving New Zealand following the 2023 World Cup.
It was during that period that he began thinking seriously about an All Blacks comeback.
One night, while watching the Six Nations, he had a simple realisation.
“Probably sitting in Japan one night watching the Six Nations and just understanding there’s no better feeling than being in the arena.”
Watching international rugby from Japan made Mo’unga realise that he still wanted to experience Test rugby again.
“When you’re watching test matches over in Europe and watching the All Blacks play you never get that feeling,” he said.
That feeling eventually helped convince him that his international career was not finished.
Mo’unga wanted another chance with the All Blacks
Mo’unga’s last appearance for New Zealand came in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, when the All Blacks lost 12-11 to the Springboks in Paris.
After that match, he moved to Japan and spent three seasons playing for Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo. During his time there, he continued to develop his game while being away from the All Blacks environment.
His return to New Zealand in 2026 opened the door for another international opportunity.
After returning to play for Canterbury, Mo’unga was called into the All Blacks squad in South Africa as injury cover. He has now been selected to start against the Lions.
For Mo’unga, coming back is about more than simply adding to his Test appearances.
“One reason for coming back was to win a World Cup but to not have any regrets of wishing I gave it another crack or thinking there was more to give.”
‘I’m grateful to be back’
The return has also given Mo’unga the chance to experience the All Blacks environment again after spending several years away from it.
He said being back among the squad reminded him why he wanted to return to international rugby in the first place.
“It’s really special. It’s been a long time. I’m grateful to be back in this environment.”
Mo’unga has also made it clear that he understands he is returning to a team where competition for the No.10 jersey is strong.
Ruben Love has impressed since taking his opportunity with the All Blacks, and Mo’unga does not see his return as an automatic claim to the position.
“I’ve been so impressed with how he’s played this season as a Hurricanes player and All Black.”
Rather than focusing on reclaiming his old position, Mo’unga says his priority is contributing to the team.
“Coming into this team, it’s not about trying to get back in the 10 jersey, it’s about nailing my role at this moment.”
Richie Mo’unga returns at Ellis Park
The timing of Mo’unga’s comeback makes the occasion even more significant.
The All Blacks arrive at Ellis Park after beating the Springboks 33-16 in the opening Test of the South Africa series. Mo’unga watched that match from the sidelines before being selected to start against the Lions.
New Zealand head coach Dave Rennie has made wholesale changes for the Lions match, giving the wider squad an opportunity before the next Test against South Africa.
Mo’unga will start at fly-half alongside Noah Hotham, while Beauden Barrett moves to fullback.
The match is a tour fixture against the Lions rather than a Test match, but for Mo’unga it will still represent his first opportunity to play in an All Blacks jersey since the 2023 World Cup final.
A new chapter for Mo’unga
Mo’unga’s return gives the All Blacks another experienced option at fly-half as they build towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
For the player himself, however, the motivation appears much simpler.
He missed the feeling of Test rugby. He missed being part of the All Blacks. And after watching from Japan, he decided he did not want to finish his international career wondering what might have happened if he had tried one more time.
Now, Richie Mo’unga has that opportunity.
His comeback begins at Ellis Park.
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Richie Mo’unga is back. And after nearly three years away, he finally gets to experience the arena again.
