Another year for Mo’unga

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.