Richie Mo’unga has closed the chapter on his Japanese club career.
The 32-year-old flyhalf failed to inspire the Toshiba Brave Lupus to a third straight League One title as they suffered a 26-3 quarter-final loss to the Kubota Spears at the weekend.
Reflecting on his final season, Mo’unga said while the threepeat was “not to be”, he would leave Japan with unforgettable memories.
“First and foremost, I just want to thank all those who have supported me while I’ve been in Japan with my family,” he said in a farewell message shared by Toshiba.
“My experience and the lifestyle here have just been absolutely amazing. I can’t thank you enough – the people of Japan, the fans of Japan, the fans of Toshiba and of myself.
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“Really sad to be leaving and going back home to New Zealand, but I’ll be taking Japan back home with me and will remember and cherish all of the memories that I’ve created here over the last three seasons.
“So, thank you very much from the bottom of my heart. Arigato gozaimasu.”
Mo’unga returns to New Zealand having signed an 18-month deal with NZ Rugby as he targets the 2027 World Cup.
His return has reignited debate around NZ Rugby’s overseas eligibility rules, with many calling for him to be immediately available for All Blacks selection.
However, rules state Mo’unga must first play in the NPC for Canterbury, whose first match of the season is against Auckland on 1 August.
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The All Blacks will arrive in South Africa in late July or early August for the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour, which includes a four-Test series against the world champion Springboks.
New All Blacks coach Dave Rennie recently revealed that he would have started Mo’unga in their opening tour match on 7 August.
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Photo: Toru Hanai/Getty Images
The post Mo’unga bids Japan farewell appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Richie Mo’unga has closed the chapter on his Japanese club career.
The post Mo’unga bids Japan farewell appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
