07-08-2025
Richie Mo'unga back in red and black next season
Richie Mo'unga will return to New Zealand to play for Canterbury next season.
Mo'unga has signed with NZR, the Crusaders and Canterbury Rugby for 18 months from July 2026 to December 2027.
The agreement sees him return to Canterbury Rugby for the 2026 and 2027 NPC seasons and the Crusaders for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season.
After moving offshore in 2024 to play for Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo in Japan, Mo'unga will once again don the red and black jersey, adding to his legacy in the red and black that first began in 2016 when he became Crusader #190.
'The Crusaders have always been a huge part of my life – not just as a player, but as a person,' says Mo'unga.
Richie Mounga playing for the Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo.
"I can't wait to return in 2027 and continue to build on the legacy of the franchise. I'm really looking forward to reconnecting with the fans and contributing to the environment both on and off the field.'
He still has one more season in Japan and will keep his focus on that before coming back to New Zealand.
'I've grown a lot during my time in Japan with Toshiba, both on and off the field. It's been an incredible experience with my family that I'll always be grateful for, and I'm really excited for one more season with them,' he says.
Mo'unga's return marks a significant moment for the Crusaders who will welcome back one of the most influential players in Super Rugby history.
He has 109 appearances and scored 1230 points in the red and black.
Richie Mo'unga playing for the Crusaders in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific semi-final.
Crusaders head coach Rob Penney says Mo'unga's homecoming is a massive boost for the team.
'Richie's connection to this club runs deep and he is a great Crusader man.
"We're really blessed with the talent that we have in the Crusaders and having Richie back will not only enhance the team and have a positive influence over the group, but it will also ensure his legacy lives on long after he has departed.'
Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge says Mo'unga embodies what it means to be a Crusader.
'The word care is thrown around a lot in this place, but the care Richie has for this club and this team is second to none.
"He has this gift of bringing out the best in those around him and we can't wait to have him back here in 2027.'
