EXCLUSIVE – Mo'unga rebuffed Tonga approach to re-sign with NZ Rugby

Toshiba Brave Lupus fly-half Richie Mo’unga was approached by Tonga Rugby Union about a potential allegiance switch before he inked a new deal with New Zealand Rugby, RugbyJP.com can reveal.

Back-to-back League One and MVP winner Mo’unga, 31, who last represented the All Blacks in the World Cup final loss to South Africa in 2023, was the subject of intense interest from Tonga, as RugbyJP.com revealed in February.

RugbyJP.com ©

The mercurial seven-time Super Rugby winner turned down Tonga’s approach and a host of offers from international clubs to ink a new deal with New Zealand Rugby in August to seal his return ahead of the World Cup.

Mo’unga’s late father was from Tonga while his mother is Samoan and therefore, he would have been eligible to represent either nation from October 2026, after a three-year stand-down period from his last cap for the All Blacks.

Following his ‘three-peat’ bid next season, Mo’unga will return to his homeland on an 18-month contract, commencing in July 2026 and running through until the end of 2027 in order to play in the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

The Christchurch native will play for Canterbury Rugby in the 2026 and 2027 NPC seasons either side of returning to the Crusaders for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific campaign.

“Yes, Tonga asked about Richie’s movements but so did every other club in the World,” Mo’unga’s agent Cameron McIntyre told RugbyJP.com.

“Richie is committed to playing for the AB’s in the RWC as his re-signing with NZR shows.”

Mo’unga could still return to Japan in 2028.  

“Richie retains the ability to play for whoever he so chooses from 2028,” his agent added.

Mo’unga told RugbyJP.com that he re-signed with NZ Rugby in order to be eligible to play in his third World Cup.

“It’s pretty simple, I want to be involved in a World Cup and the only way for me to do that is to go back home to New Zealand,” he told us.

“I don’t think it changes much to be honest, for anyone that knows me, whatever environment I’m in, whatever team I’m in, that team will get everything of me, all of my time and effort will be invested in that environment.

“It gives more certainty for my family I guess, understanding that we get to go home after next season.”

Champions Toshiba open their pre-season campaign on Saturday against Manie Libbok's division two side Hanazono Kintetsu Liners at their training ground in Fuchu, Tokyo. RugbyJP will be there to cover the game

Stay tuned to RugbyJP for all the build-up to the 2025-2026 League One season