Richie Mo'unga: 'It's been on my mind, what the comeback would look like'

Richie Mo’unga says he’s prepared for every scenario as he chases an All Blacks recall after three seasons in Japan.

The 32-year-old will regain national selection eligibility when he runs out off the bench for Canterbury in their season-opening NPC clash with old foes Auckland on Saturday, a highly anticipated return to the selection fold ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Having signed an 18-month contract with New Zealand Rugby, Canterbury, and the Crusaders, the 56-Test playmaker says he has one thing on his mind.

“Make no mistake, I’m still the same Richie that was here three seasons ago wanting to win every competition I play in,” he told old teammate Israel Dagg on Sport Nation.

It has been nearly one full calendar year since Mo’unga put pen to paper on his deal, leaving plenty of time to prepare for his return.

“Ever since I signed back with New Zealand Rugby, it’s been on my mind what the comeback would look like; the first time putting on the colours, the first time playing in the stadium,” he said ahead of his first Canterbury appearance since the pandemic. “So it’s real special for me and for the family.

“But I’ve thought about it, I’ve been real diligent with my process and what it’s going to look like and where I need to be mentally. But all of that aside, I’m just playing footy, man. I’m playing the game I love. I get to do it at home in Christchurch, at One New Zealand Stadium, which is special.”

While Mo’unga is adamant his mindset hasn’t shifted, he says he has grown during his time with Toshiba Brave Lupus in Tokyo, benefiting from the added responsibility he took on in the team.

“It taught me a lot as a rugby player, having to play but also having to add a bit in terms of coaching, managing a team and its emotions, strategy and tactics; a lot of things that I gained experience from playing in the All Blacks and Crusaders.

“But I’m just hoping to play a style of footy that represents myself: heads-up footy, exciting, and just wanting to have a crack. I’ve been gone for three seasons, but my style of footy hasn’t changed, I’m real optimistic in what I try to do. I’m still a competitive player, striving to be the best I can and hopefully I can show people that here, back in New Zealand.”

While an injury in All Blacks camp could result in a call-up over the next two months, Mo’unga’s next chance to earn squad selection will be ahead of the Bledisloe Cup Tests in October. Whatever happens, the seven-time Super Rugby champion says he has made peace with the reality of his eligibility saga.

“I’ve been through every scenario possible, and it just comes back to controlling what I can control. It is what it is. They have a process and rules around eligibility. I’ve got my sights set on being at a World Cup and lifting a trophy along with the All Blacks. If this is part of the journey, then so be it.”