Exodus
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Richie Mo'unga has revealed plans to leave a major hole in New Zealand rugby by spending two years in Japan post-World Cup.
All Blacks and Crusaders playmaker Mo'unga last week signed a one-year extension with NZ Rugby through to next year's World Cup in France – a move that left his options open from the end of 2023.
As he prepares to return from a two-week absence due to a fractured finger for the Crusaders quarter-final against the Reds in Christchurch on Friday night, Mo'unga has detailed his intent to take a probable two-year break from New Zealand rugby.
The 28-year-old two-time Super Rugby player of the year has major motivations to achieve before leaving Christchurch but come the end of 2023, his future is firmly heading towards an extended stint in the Japanese Top League.
"That's definitely what I'm thinking," Mo'unga told the Herald. "Another reason for the one-year sign on with NZ Rugby was allowing myself to have a look at opportunities overseas and seeing what somewhere like Japan has to offer and keeping my options open, whether that's one or two seasons over there, and possibly coming back to New Zealand and hopefully play for the Crusaders and All Blacks.
@Tim So all still very vague and potentially a negotiation tactic.
One or two years in Japan could be a huge difference. One year is like BB, who slotted straight back in (at the same age). Mo'unga could easily do the same. But two years is like Retallick, who has been a bit disappointing since his return. It may be different for backs though.
It will also depend on who's available, whether he'll be able to re-claim his black jersey after that overseas stint.
After 2023, Dmac will at best be a very short-term stop gap, so won't be the answer for the 10/22 jersey.
If he continues to play well at 10, I'd say go for Perofeta (will be 30 at the the time of the 2027RWC) and put everything into developing some young 10s. Preferably those recently (or now) coming through at U20 level. The Morgan's, Godfrey's, Kemara's ...
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@Tim So all still very vague and potentially a negotiation tactic.
One or two years in Japan could be a huge difference. One year is like BB, who slotted straight back in (at the same age). Mo'unga could easily do the same. But two years is like Retallick, who has been a bit disappointing since his return. It may be different for backs though.
It will also depend on who's available, whether he'll be able to re-claim his black jersey after that overseas stint.
After 2023, Dmac will at best be a very short-term stop gap, so won't be the answer for the 10/22 jersey.
If he continues to play well at 10, I'd say go for Perofeta (will be 30 at the the time of the 2027RWC) and put everything into developing some young 10s. Preferably those recently (or now) coming through at U20 level. The Morgan's, Godfrey's, Kemara's ...
@Stargazer said in Exodus:
One or two years in Japan could be a huge difference. One year is like BB, who slotted straight back in (at the same age). Mo'unga could easily do the same. But two years is like Retallick, who has been a bit disappointing since his return. It may be different for backs though.
Yeah, one year sabbatical and two year contract are completely different prospects. Returning to the fold vs. leaving international rugby.
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If Mo'unga missed 2 years and came back in 2026 that would be the year the new Christchurch Stadium would be used by Crusaders wouldn't it (scheduled for end of 2025 completion)?
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James Blackwell?
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@Canes4life said in Exodus:
James Blackwell?
Nah he has signed with the Canes until the end of 2023.
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@Chris Mitchell Dunshea is signed until the end of 2023, too.
Josh Goodhue's contract expires, this year.
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@Machpants Retallick.
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The article quoted the Lock from New Zealand they were signing was 26 or 27.
Strange has signed through 2023.The only lock I can see in that age bracket unsigned past 2022 is Josh Goodhue.
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I havent heard anything about him leaving, but given his history with head knocks, he is potentially only another one away from no rugby career, so wouldnt be-grudge him getting a few £££'s in the bank while he can!
But as to contracts, they mean little in this world.
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@Chris say it ain't so!! Next you'll be telling me crusaders are eyeing the highlanders under 20's captain as his replacement
