Mo’unga pursuit ‘deflating’ for NZ-based first-fives
Damian McKenzie and Stephen Perofeta would be within their rights to feel aggrieved at New Zealand Rugby’s attempts to bring back Richie Mo’unga from Japan, former Crusaders and Fiji utility Nemani Nadolo believes.
Mo’unga, 29, is enjoying his first of three years in Japan, after signing a contract to join League One side Toshiba Brave Lupus following the 2023 World Cup in France.
But as Scott Robertson takes charge of the All Blacks this year, New Zealand Rugby’s head of professional rugby Chris Lendrum revealed to the Rugby Direct podcast the attempt to bring Mo’unga back early.
After their time with the Crusaders, Robertson and Mo’unga share a strong working relationship, notably winning seven Super Rugby titles in as many years together.
Under current selection rules, Mo’unga would not be eligible to play for the All Blacks and reunite with Robertson, unless he returns to New Zealand.
But with Mo’unga’s move to Japan known from mid2023, this season of Super Rugby Pacific has presented a chance for Kiwibased first-fives to stake their claim.
Based on current form, McKenzie of the Chiefs and Perofeta of the Blues stand out as the two front-runners, while Brett Cameron of the Hurricanes could also be considered a contender — if picking solely within New Zealand.
But with the news of the attempts to bring Mo’unga home, Nadolo, who has played in Super Rugby and Japan’s League One, told Newstalk ZB’s Jason Pine New Zealandbased prospects would be right to be upset by the reports. “Competition is good competition,” he said. “From a player’s point of view, you’re gutted that it happens. But in saying that, it’s good competition for the All Blacks. It’s just going to give more headaches for Razor to pick his fiveeighth.
“Perofeta and McKenzie have been playing really well this year. For me, as a player, I’d probably be annoyed, but it is great competition.
“New Zealand have always had that problem, over the years. They’ve always had some of the best fiveeighths. It’s good competition, but you’d probably be a bit deflated knowing they’re trying to get Richie back.”
There are no guarantees Mo’unga will return to New Zealand, despite the national body’s attempts. The Herald understands his Japanese contract is worth around $2.2 million a year. That kind of money would not be available from New Zealand Rugby alone, barring outside investment.
The main proposition would appear to be reuniting with Robertson in the hope of repeating their Super Rugby success at the highest level.
Having shared a changing room with Mo’unga at the Crusaders, news of his return being sought is not surprising for Nadolo.
“Richie’s been doing really well over in Japan, playing for Toshiba,” he said. “He’s a world-class fiveeighth, you don’t lose that overnight.
“With what he’s done in the game, particularly in New Zealand rugby, it’s no surprise to see that New Zealand Rugby want to try to bring him back.
“The question is does Richie really want to come? He’s done everything in the game, particularly Super Rugby and the All Blacks.
“Maybe another World Cup might entice him back. But in saying that, from what I’ve heard and seen, he’s really enjoying his time in Japan,” Nadolo said.