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A month after Ian Foster revealed that Richie Mo’unga was on his hit list for July’s AUNZ invitational clash against the British and Irish Lions, the All Blacks star has revealed his interest in playing in the Adelaide fixture.
Hitherto, it’s been a closely guarded secret around who might take to the field.
The appointment of Foster helped give the game a big name figure to help oversee the combined Australian and New Zealand squad, but no players have officially been unveiled to feature in the game against the Lions on July 12 at Adelaide Oval.
That is because Rugby Australia is still ironing out who will join Foster in the coaching box, as well as finalising their needs for the clash given it’s a week out from the first Test in Brisbane.
After being unveiled as the first coach to join the AUNZ in late March, Foster said he hadn’t spoken to any players about playing but admitted Mo’unga was a natural fit.
“I think I have (a wish list),” Foster said. “I don’t want to share it too early.
“This is a Rugby Australia selected team of which I’ll obviously help from this part of the world and from a New Zealand perspective.
“But it’s making sure that it’s experienced enough and strong enough to be really competitive. It’s not a festival game, it’s a chance to put on a new jersey that no one’s worn before. And to play in, like I said, a very, very special series.
“I was involved in the 2017 Lions series. I know how big they are and how special they are, and there’s no such thing as a dud game.
“There’ll be a lot of players that want to be involved. When you look at the New Zealand-based players in Japan, I guess you’ve got the likes of Aaron Smith, Richie Mo’unga, those type of guys that would be really good targets for this sort of game.”
All Blacks star Richie Mo’unga says he’s keen to play for the AUNZ side against the Lions. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Mo’unga, 30, hasn’t played for the All Blacks since wearing the No.10 jersey in the World Cup final in 2023.
His high-profile move to Toshiba Brave Lupus in Japan meant that he was ineligible to play under his former Super Rugby coach Scott Robertson last year with the All Blacks.
But the 56-Test star revealed to RugbyJP.com that he was interested in taking on the Lions, having debuted for the All Blacks in 2018 – one year after the famed side toured New Zealand.
“Yes, Foz has spoken to me about the game,” Mo’unga said.
“I’m really interested in playing, it’s with my agents now. I’ll have to ask Toshiba for permission to play next.”
The addition of Mo’unga would be a coup for the AUNZ side, with Mo’unga one of the best playmakers in the world.
In his first season at Brave Lupus, he led the Japanese side to the League One title.
Despite his successful move to Japan, Mo’unga admitted he missed the thrill of playing on the international stage.
“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,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mo’unga’s former Test teammate Mark Tele’a confirmed he was heading to Japan following this year’s Super Rugby season.
Mark Tele’a will leave the Blues later this year for Japan. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
Although New Zealand Rugby had celebrated the retention of several players recently, including Damian McKenzie, the departure of Tele’a comes just three years after the 28-year-old debuted for the All Blacks.
In 2023, the outstanding winger was named World Rugby’s breakout star.
“It’s been an amazing ride so many fantastic memories and amazing people… But after much thought I have decided from next year I will play my rugby in Japan,” Tele’a said in a statement on Tuesday.
“Thanks to my fellow players, coaches, administrators and fans for making the past years special for me.”
Chris Lendrum, NZ Rugby’s general manager of professional rugby and performance, confirmed Tele’a would still be available this year despite his looming departure to Japanese rugby.
“New Zealand Rugby continues to retain a large number of elite players. We are pleased with our current player retention rates which include players through to 2027 or beyond,” Lendrum said.
“In Mark’s case he is contracted to the NZR for the remainder of 2025 and we look forward to his continued and valued contribution to the teams he represents.”
Whether or not that occurs remains to be seen, with New Zealand blessed with several outstanding wingers.
What’s more, if Robertson was to continue to pick the Blues winger this season it would rob him precious time to blood his emerging crop of outside backs ahead of the 2027 World Cup on Australian shores.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.