Richie Mo’unga is joining the All Blacks in South Africa.
It’s understood the first five-eighth will fly out of Christchurch this afternoon, after All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie was cleared to recall the playmaker.
Mo’unga, who last played for the All Blacks in 2023, returned from Japan a couple of months ago but was deemed ineligible for the national side until October because he only signed an 18-month contract.
However, having played two NPC games for Canterbury, an earlier return to the national side remained possible if the All Blacks required injury replacements, provided New Zealand Rugby granted an exemption.
Now, he’s back in black, bound for South Africa to join a team which has lost centre Billy Proctor to a tour-ending shoulder injury.
Fullback/pivot Damian McKenzie also sprained his ankle during the All Blacks’ 54-0 rout of the Sharks in Durban on Wednesday.
The All Blacks will meet the Vodacom Bulls at 5am Saturday.
Source: Stuff.co.nz
