Richie Mo’unga is heading to South Africa to join the All Blacks after injuries created an opening in the touring squad.
New Zealand Rugby confirmed the first-five will fly to Johannesburg on Thursday following Billy Proctor’s fractured shoulder blade in the 38-21 win over the Stormers, while Damian McKenzie is also being monitored after injuring his ankle. Head coach Dave Rennie described Mo’unga as the “obvious choice”, saying he must now learn the team’s systems and earn selection.
Mo’unga had previously been unavailable under NZ Rugby’s eligibility rules for players returning from overseas contracts, which required him to first play domestically. He became eligible after returning for Canterbury in the NPC, where he quickly made an impact by scoring the match-winner against Auckland before helping Canterbury secure the Ranfurly Shield against Otago.
🇳🇿 HE’S BACK! Ex-Toshiba ace Richie Mo’unga will join the All Blacks squad as a replacement for Billy Proctor
📸 Toshiba ©#rugbyjp pic.twitter.com/EMcOD7cicB
— 🇯🇵 RugbyJP.com (@rugbyjpcom) August 13, 2026
