Mo’unga signs on for 2023

Richie Mo’unga’s fresh one-year deal with NZ Rugby has bolstered the All Blacks’ playmaker options for next year’s World Cup in France.

First five-eighth Mo’unga, 28, yesterday confirmed he will remain in New Zealand for another season. He has also recommitted to the Crusaders and Canterbury.

While the decision wasn’t unexpected and there had been no indication Mo’unga was considering offshore offers, All

Blacks and Crusaders coaches Ian

Foster and Scott Robertson would have welcomed confirmation that the influential playmaker was staying in New Zealand.

Foster now has two experienced No 10s locked in for the World Cup, with Beauden Barrett committed to NZ Rugby through to the end of 2023.

Mo’unga has played 32 tests since his debut as a substitute against France in 2017.

In 2019 he was a regular starter at first-five and Barrett was switched to fullback, as then All Blacks coach Sir Steve Hansen employed a dual playmaker strategy for the World Cup in Japan.

That campaign ended when the All Blacks lost the semifinal to England.

It appears unlikely the tactic of putting two specialist No 10s on the park at the same time will be reintroduced for the next global tournament, given Foster is expected to have talented fullbacks Jordie Barrett and Will Jordan – who have yet to re-sign with NZ Rugby for next year – to select from.