Returning flyhalf Richie Mo’unga will not be considered for the All Blacks’ July Tests and the Greatest Rivalry tour to South Africa.
Mo’unga has signed an 18-month deal to return home after a stint in Japan with the Toshiba Brave Lupus.
However, under NZ Rugby policy, overseas-based players must play in the NPC before being considered for national selection again.
Mo’unga will first need to turn out for Canterbury before he can be picked again for the All Blacks in October – effectively ruling him out of Nations Championship matches against France, Italy and Ireland, as well as the tour to South Africa in August and September.
NZ Rugby CEO Steve Lancaster said the governing body had no plans to bend the rules.
“This is something we regularly revisit with the board. It’s a relevant thing for our board as governors of the game to regularly consider and reflect on.
“We haven’t asked the board to relax that policy around Richie. We think the policy works for us. It keeps our best players in New Zealand playing in our competitions.”
MORE: Mo’unga on his unfinished business
“We’ve got some world-class players in the same position, and a number of those have committed to stay in New Zealand and play on the basis of the policy,” he added.
“We’ve got to think about the implications of the policy and relaxing the policy at any point in time.”
Photo: Lionel Hahn/Getty Images
The post Mo’unga ineligible for Bok tour appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Returning flyhalf Richie Mo’unga will not be considered for the All Blacks’ July Tests and the Greatest Rivalry tour to South Africa.
The post Mo’unga ineligible for Bok tour appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
