1
Richie Mo'unga inks World Cup contract extension with New Zealand Rugby
By Alex McLeod
All Blacks star Richie Mo'unga has recommitted to New Zealand Rugby [NZR] for another year as he targets a place at next year's World Cup in France.
Mo'unga announced on live television on Friday that he has signed a one-year contract extension that will keep him with the All Blacks, Crusaders and Canterbury in 2023.
"Some good news, for me and my family, that we've re-signed for next year's season in 2023," the newly-turned 28-year-old told Sky Sport ahead of the Crusaders' 28-15 Super Rugby Pacific win over the Reds in Christchurch.
Mo'unga was absent from that match as he dealt with a rib injury, but was confident that he will "good to go" for next week's quarter-final match against the Reds at Orangetheory Stadium.
"For me, I think it's really important I just look after myself, keep myself in the best shape possible so I can be in the conversation for quarter-finals next week."
NZR's retention of Mo'unga adds to their long list of All Blacks who have signed on until next year's World Cup, where Mo'unga is expected to partner Beauden Barrett as New Zealand's first-five options.
Since his first-class debut for Canterbury as a teenager in 2013, Mo'unga has become a key figure in the New Zealand rugby landscape.
A five-time Super Rugby title-winner with the Crusaders, who he debuted for in 2016, Mo'unga has been crucial in the recent success of the Christchurch-based franchise.
That much is reflected by his status as a three-time Super Rugby Player of the Year award-winner, a feat that helped him become an All Black in 2017.
After an international debut against a French XV in Lyon five years ago, Mo'unga made his test debut against France in Dunedin in 2018, and has gone on to play 32 tests for the All Blacks.
During that time, he was New Zealand's starting first-five at the 2019 World Cup in Japan, and has notched more than 50 appearances for Canterbury - with whom he has won four NPC titles - as he narrows in on his 100th match for the Crusaders.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Bath Rugby turnover breaks £20m but losses increase
3
Edinburgh face anxious wait over Duhan van der Merwe
4
Multiple clubs swarming to lure Chris Harris from Gloucester
5
Latest Comments
Cane shouldn’t have been one last year, based purely on performances. Lakai is as close to a like for like of swap of Savea you’re ever likely to find, based on his short career so far at least. He has many of the same qualities - very strong ball carrier, great at the breakdown, and an absolute work horse on defence. I feel like he and Sititi could lead the way in the loose at the next WC.
I think we have become obsessed with replacing Kaino with someone exactly like him. Kaino was a perfect foil for the other loose forwards we had at the time. Based on the talent we have around at the moment those players could be made up in the aggregate by three players who are all exception all rounders - Lakai, Sititi, and Savea. Missing some height for sure but Sititi’s defensive work in the line out last year was phenomenal. He gets off the ground so quickly and was able to steal a couple of balls off the top of the springbok line out.
If our young locks coming through can actually stay fit long enough to get selected, it seems inevitable that Va’ai could end up in a hybrid 6/lock role.
Go to commentsWas strange game, full of errors and the usual refereeing decisions. Both teams suffered as a result but Ospreys discipline was a major factor. I think this weekend will be different as the Ospreys will pick a full strength team but Scarlets will gain confidence in the fact that only Tipuric was missing in the forwards and they dominated that pack for the whole 80 minutes. If they can repeat that dominance at scrum and breakdown then the Scarlets backs will always have more to offer on the front foot.
Go to comments