Toshiba’s MVP Richie Mo’unga to return to New Zealand in 2026

Toshiba Brave Lupus' double League One winner and back-to-back MVP Richie Mo’unga will return to New Zealand in 2026 after completing his three-year deal in Japan, New Zealand Rugby confirmed today.

Mo’unga, 31, who last represented the All Blacks in the World Cup final loss to South Africa in 2023, will return to his native New Zealand on an 18-month contract, commencing in July 2026 and running through until the end of 2027.

Following his ‘three-peat' bid with Toshiba next season, the serial winner will for Canterbury Rugby in the 2026 and 2027 NPC seasons either side of returning to the Crusaders for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific campaign.  

Picture courtesy of Toshiba Brave Lupus

Seven-time Super Rugby winner Mo’unga has been lured home to become eligible to represent New Zealand in the run-up to the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

The anticipated news is a huge boost for the All Blacks and their head coach Scott Robertson who has previously spoken of his desire to see his former Crusaders fly-half back in an All Blacks jersey after being unable to overturn New Zealand Rugby’s selection policy of not picking overseas-based players.

Ex-Suntory Sungoliath and Toyota Verblitz fly-half Beauden Barrett and Damian McKenzie, who also spent one season with Suntory, have been the leading options for the coveted All Blacks number 10 jersey in Mo’unga’s absence and will compete for a starting berth in the upcoming Rugby Championship.

The Christchurch native said: “Grateful to be coming back home. Feeling all the love. Big job left to do in Japan first.” 

Toshiba's President and General Manager Masahiro Kunda said: "Richie Mo'unga's return to New Zealand rugby is something that both he and the New Zealand Rugby Union have been looking forward to. "The team will be supporting him to achieve his goal of winning the RWC. This season will be his last with the Brave Lupus, and we look forward to seeing him perform at his best."

Mo’unga, who was also the subject of interest from Tonga and Samoa, could still return to Japan in 2028.