Overview

• New Zealand Rugby confirmed Mo’unga will sign an 18-month home-based contract running from July 2026 to the end of 2027 to meet selection policy requirements.
• Former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen hailed the deal as a win-win that bolsters depth at fly-half alongside Beauden Barrett and Damian McKenzie.
• Mo’unga will lace up for Canterbury in the Bunnings NPC until he becomes All Blacks-eligible in October 2026 ahead of the South Africa series.
• Bryn Hall praised Mo’unga’s high-level performances in Japan, forecasting a seamless transition back to international Test rugby.
• The move underscores the growing recognition of Japanese rugby’s competitiveness in preparing players for Test demands.