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Ex-All Black captain Read takes aim at NZR over Mo'unga situation

Kieran Read of New Zealand leads his players as they perform the haka prior to the Rugby World Cup 2019 Bronze Final match between New Zealand and Wales at Tokyo Stadium on November 01, 2019 in Chofu, Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
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Former All Black captain Kieran Read has sounded off at New Zealand Rugby over the handling of Richie Mo’unga’s eligibility.

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New head coach Dave Rennie confirmed recently that no exemption has been given for Mo’unga, who signed a non-sabbatical contract to play in Japan for the last three years. New CEO Lancaster reiterated the decision.

Ex-captain Read couldn’t understand the decision when the ability to grant exemptions and change rules lies with NZR itself.

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Read’s long-time Crusaders teammate Matt Todd was given an exemption to play for the All Blacks on the 2018 Northern Tour, where he played against England and Ireland.

“You’ve changed it before, the coach has literally said, ‘I’m gonna bring him into the squad so he can learn the moves’,” the former All Blacks captain told The Agenda podcast on the Alternative Commentary Collective.

“It’s like, well, why don’t we just let him [Mo’unga] play? If we know he’s going to be needed and he’s going to be so vital to us to be successful, he’s literally signed to New Zealand for the next 18 months.”

“It’s a little bit like they made the bed and they think they’ve got to sleep in it, but hey, you can change it, right? You can actually literally change the rules.

“Ardie [Savea] and Anton Lienert-Brown, who have been in Japan and supposedly it’s a sabbatical, they come straight in and play in July.

“I understand the reasoning around behind making guys want to stay in New Zealand, but the fact they’re back, he’s back in New Zealand and it would be a travesty if you’re running out in the first test against South Africa and Richie Mo’unga is playing here for Canterbury.

“It would mean no sense, it’d be ridiculous.”

 

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3 Comments
P
PickOllieMathisOrKeepLosing,Rob. 37 mins ago

PREACH.

G
GP 50 mins ago

Former Crusaders and All Black great Kieran Read is dead right. Richie Mo’unga should be fast tracked in to the All Blacks. He is playing great rugby and has been missed big time. I would love to Richie playing for Canterbury make no bone’s about it. But he is desperately needed in the All Blacks and it’s in a tour of South Africa.As article says Kieran Read’s fellow Crusaders great Matt Todd had an exemption made in 2018. Scott Robertson wanted Richie Mo’unga back and he should have got his way. Dave Rennie does now and he should be given his way.

S
SouthernRuckby 29 mins ago

Playing great Rugby? He’s been in Japan for three seasons, living the cushy life in an easier league. All of our players that go over to Japan are always worse upon their return.

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