Richie Mo'unga, the celebrated All Blacks fly-half, is poised to make his return to the National Provincial Championship (NPC) with Canterbury. After a stint in Japan with Toshiba Brave Lupus and a brief recovery from a calf injury, Mo'unga will grace the playing field once again in the NPC opener against Auckland in Christchurch. His inclusion in the game marks a long-awaited homecoming since his last NPC game in 2020.
Mo’unga, now 32, has had an illustrious career, leading the charge for the Crusaders' seven consecutive Super Rugby titles from 2017 to 2023. His journey took him overseas to Japan post the 2023 Rugby World Cup, but with his contract at Toshiba Brave Lupus now complete, he’s back and ready to contribute under Canterbury’s new head coach, Alex Robertson.
"At the end of the day, it’s just footy, and I just love playing rugby, whether it’s here in Christchurch or in Japan. I’m a competitor, I’m someone that always wants to be better and striving to be great, and that’s at all levels. This week it’s NPC."
However, Mo’unga’s return isn't just significant for Canterbury but also opens up possibilities for his All Blacks career. Currently, he is ineligible for the national team’s selection until he plays this NPC fixture. This rule, set by New Zealand Rugby, keeps him from joining the All Blacks' squad for the Greatest Rivalry tour in South Africa unless he appears in at least one game for Canterbury.
All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie commented on Mo'unga's potential inclusion, suggesting a window of opportunity could open following his NPC performance. Rennie explained that should an injury require adjustments, Mo'unga’s experience would be invaluable.
"There is a chance. He will play for Canterbury this weekend, and then once he’s done that, if we had an injury at 10, then he’s an option to come in."
Richie himself remains philosophical about his chances, focusing on what he can control—his performance on the field.
"There’s a lot to it, and to be honest, my mind has thought of every possible scenario around what could happen over the next couple months. And it sort of boils down to one thing – I can’t control any of that. So, the best thing I can do is just be ready and play some good rugby."
Joining Mo’unga in the Canterbury lineup are two other All Blacks, Jamie Hannah, a promising lock, and Dallas McLeod, a utility back set to join PREM Rugby outfit Exeter Chiefs post-NPC. Both bring additional top-level experience to the team.
The team for the upcoming match against Auckland is as follows:
- 1. Finlay Brewis
- 2. Brodie McAlister (c)
- 3. Jermaine Ainsley
- 4. Tahlor Cahill
- 5. Jamie Hannah
- 6. Dominic Gardiner
- 7. Corey Kellow
- 8. Torian Barnes
- 9. Louie Chapman
- 10. Andrew Knewstubb
- 11. Kurtis MacDonald
- 12. Jone Rova
- 13. Dallas McLeod
- 14. Ngane Punivai
- 15. Chay Fihaki
- 16. Manumau Letiu
- 17. Lewis Ponini
- 18. Seb Calder
- 19. Liam Jack
- 20. Finn McLeod
- 21. Tyson Belworthy
- 22. Richie Mo’unga
- 23. Tevita Latu
The NPC game is scheduled for August 1 at One NZ Stadium in Christchurch, promising a thrilling return of Richie Mo'unga to local rugby, potentially paving his way back to the international stage.
