Mo'unga returning to NZ Rugby in 2026
- Dave Worsley
- Aug 7
- 2 min read
The Crusaders and New Zealand Rugby have confirmed the return of Richie Mo’unga to NZR, Crusaders and Canterbury Rugby for 18 months from July 2026 to December 2027.
The agreement sees him return to Canterbury Rugby for the 2026 and 2027 NPC seasons, the Crusaders for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season.
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After moving offshore in 2024 to play for Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo in Japan, Mo’unga will once again don the red and black jersey, adding to his legacy in the red and black that first began in 2016 when he became Crusader No 190.
“The Crusaders have always been a huge part of my life – not just as a player, but as a person,” says Mo’unga.
"I can’t wait to return in 2027 and continue to build on the legacy of the franchise. I’m really looking forward to reconnecting with the fans and contributing to the environment both on and off the field.”
Mo’unga still has one more season in Japan and will keep his focus on that before coming back to New Zealand.
“I’ve grown a lot during my time in Japan with Toshiba, both on and off the field. It’s been an incredible experience with my family that I’ll always be grateful for, and I’m really excited for one more season with them,” he says.
Mo’unga’s return marks a significant moment for the Crusaders who will welcome back one of the most influential players in Super Rugby history.
He has 109 appearances and scored 1,230 points in the red and black.
Crusaders Head Coach Rob Penney celebrated Mo’unga’s homecoming is a massive boost for the team.
“Richie’s connection to this club runs deep and he is a great Crusader man. We’re really blessed with the talent that we have in the Crusaders and having Richie back will not only enhance the team and have a positive influence over the group, but it will also ensure his legacy lives on long after he has departed.”
CEO Colin Mansbridge says Richie embodies what it means to be a Crusader.
“The word care is thrown around a lot in this place, but the care Richie has for this club and this team is second to none. He has this gift of bringing out the best in those around him and we can’t wait to have him back here in 2027.”
