Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has provided an update on Richie Mo’unga’s availability for the beginning of next year’s Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
Last month, it was reported that Mo’unga is expected to miss as many as six of the revamped competition’s opening rounds due to a clause in his contract that allows him to sit out the first few weeks of Super Rugby Pacific.
Mo’unga also has the option not to sit out any of the Crusaders’ first few matches, but whether or not he will be out of action remains to be seen.
Robertson said the Christchurch-based franchise is awaiting the revised draw for next year’s competition amid Covid-19 travel restrictions between New Zealand and Australia.
The draw for the inaugural edition of Super Rugby Pacific was released last month, but the arrangement of fixtures is being adjusted in the wake of the New Zealand Government’s fresh border restrictions, which will come into effect next year.
As such, any confirmation about Mo’unga’s availability for the Crusaders has been put on hold, but Robertson revealed he has spoken to all of his squad’s All Blacks since their return from Europe three weeks ago.
Of the Crusaders who toured with the All Blacks to the northern hemisphere – Mo’unga, Sam Whitelock, Will Jordan, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody, Sevu Reece, David Havili, Ethan Blackadder, George Bridge, Braydon Ennor and George Bower – none have yet reported for pre-season training.
Those 11 players aren’t expected to do so until early February, forcing Robertson to fill holes in his roster for the current pre-season programme that will pause shortly before Christmas and resume early next month.
Super Rugby Pacific kicks off in February next year.
[Source: RugbyPass ]
