Richie Mo’unga is “actually excited by enjoying” for the AUNZ Invitational XV towards the British and Irish Lions on July 12. Former All Blacks coach Ian Foster has invited Mo’unga to play for the consultant aspect, who will tackle the Lions at Adelaide Oval.
Mo’unga has continued to star since leaving the Crusaders and New Zealand Rugby on the finish of 2023, with the primary five-eighth main Toshiba Courageous Lupus to a title final season. All Blacks coach Scott Robertson needed to convey the playmaker again to New Zealand for a purpose.
‘Razor’ Robertson wasn’t capable of lure Mo’unga again to New Zealand’s shores, so a return to the All Blacks in 2025 isn’t on the playing cards, however consultant honours are shaping up as a probable reward through the Lions Tour of Australia.
New Zealand and Australia will put their rivalry aside by joining forces on the rugby field for the first time since the 1980s. Fans have speculated on the potential makeup of this team, with the likes of Joey Manu and Michael Hooper also tipped to suit up against the Lions.
Rugby Australia announced in March that Foster will join the AUNZ coaching staff, although the rest of the management group is yet to be announced. Mo’unga revealed after last weekend’s heavy loss to Shizuoka that Foster has asked him about playing for the team.
“Yes, Foz has spoken to me about the game,” Mo’unga told RugbyJP.com
“I’m really interested in playing, it’s with my agents now.
“I’ll have to ask Toshiba for permission to play next.
“I miss the big Test match setting, the big arenas. This will be the closest I’ll get to it while I’m in Japan.”
2015 Rugby World Cup winner Aaron Smith recently expressed a desire to play for the AUNZ XV while also revealing to RugbyPass that at least “three or four other All Blacks” based in Japan want to take part in the historic fixture as well.
Smith plays alongside Manua and Hooper at Japan Rugby League One side Toyota Verblitz, who is co-coached by Foster and Sir Steve Hansen. When asked about potentially playing for the team, Smith didn’t hesitate in reply.
“There’s been more chats around it. I’ve only recently found out [Foster’s] doing it. He’s talked to me about it,” Smith instructed RugbyPass.
“Most likely the funniest factor was getting a textual content from round three or 4 different All Blacks going, ‘What’s occurring? Can we play or how do you?’
“I feel it’s nonetheless very a lot up within the air round who and what.
“There’s been murmurs, I’ve talked to some boys, I’m not going to call names however they’ve stated, ‘Hey, what’s the go? Are you going to play, or for those who received requested would you play?’
“It’s simply a kind of issues. Whenever you get to this a part of your profession, these alternatives are onerous to say no to and really uncommon.
“To consider the historical past of the ANZACs and what it means to our nation. I used to be very blessed, my father received me veery upskilled round ANZAC Day and what our males did for our nation within the wars and exhibiting remembrance.
“I simply assume that may be a very cool factor to be part of if I used to be requested and if that chance comes. I’d take it very significantly if I used to be requested and provides it my greatest.
“For me, it’d be a really particular sport to be part of.”
