It’s three more years: Mo’unga extends New Zealand contract

One of the rising stars of New Zealand rugby, All Blacks and Crusaders first five-eighth Richie Mo’unga, has resigned with New Zealand Rugby, his Super Rugby side and Canterbury, inking a new deal through to 2022.

It is further good news for New Zealand Rugby, which has extended contracts with several All Blacks in recent weeks, including Aaron Smith, Ngani Laumape, Nathan Harris, Liam Coltman, Patrick Tuipulotu and Dalton Papalii, with a strong core of experienced players committed to New Zealand Rugby post-2019.

Mo’unga, 24, made his provincial debut for Canterbury in 2013 and Super Rugby debut with the Crusaders three years later. He first played for the All Blacks against a France XV on the northern tour in 2017 and made his full test debut against France last year in Dunedin. He has played nine tests.

Mo’unga said: “I’m really fortunate to have had some amazing opportunities with Canterbury, the Crusaders and All Blacks, and I feel there is still plenty I want to achieve in New Zealand rugby, which was a huge motivation for me to recommit.

“I’m really grateful to be part of a club that means a lot to me and that has given me the opportunity to better myself as a rugby player and person.

“I want to keep striving to be the best I can, which ultimately is why I’ve made the decision to stay in this environment.”

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said: “Congratulations to Richie on his re-signing. He is developing into a very good rugby player and it’s great that he’s staying, as he is only going to get better.

“He made a great start last year in his first All Blacks season and we look forward to him going to an even higher level this year. It’ll be exciting to watch just how far he can go.”

Crusaders coach Scott Robertson added: “Richie is world class — at just 24 years old, he’s quickly established himself as an integral member of our squad and a leading first five-eighth in Super Rugby.

“We’re proud of his ability to step up and make big plays under pressure.

“He has proved that over the past three seasons with the Crusaders and was rewarded for his consistency with selection in the All Blacks.

“Richie has a big future in the game and it’s exciting that his playing future is with the Crusaders.”

Meanwhile, Hansen has his eye on “two or three” mystery players as possible inclusions in the All Blacks’ World Cup squad.

When asked on Radio Sport if he had been impressed by any players outside of the usual All Blacks, Hansen said there had been “two or three” who had caught his eye.

“I’m not going to mention names and put pressure on them but there have certainly been some people out there,” Hansen said.

“[They] have also been quite obvious to most people.

“It’s been good to see and now that we’re getting to the business part of the season, it’ll be interesting to see if they can maintain that high level of performance that we’ve been getting from them.”

Hansen said the high level of performance had left him and selectors confident they will have plenty of choice when it comes to naming the team.

“There are a few guys that are established All Blacks that are starting to come into some good form and a lot of young guys starting to put there hands up,” he said.

“When the time comes to pick the side, we’ll have plenty of candidates. Everyone is a chance, we’ll say no to nobody.”