Selwyn_Times: December 06, 2023

Selwyn Times Wednesday December 6 2023
24
SPORT
‘My job is to provide for my family’
– Mo’unga says sayonara to ABs
SWAN SONG: Richie Mo’unga in the World Cup final loss
to South Africa in what is likely to be his last game for
the All Blacks. Above – Mo’unga and Beauden Barrett join
other All Blacks for a season in Japan. PHOTOS: GETTY
DEPARTED ALL Blacks No 10
Richie Mo’unga has no thoughts
about wearing the black jersey
again as he begins his stint in
Japan.
The 29-year-old has begun a
three-year deal with the Toshiba
Brave Lupus in Japan’s League
One. It is understood the deal
is in the region of $2 million a
season.
He is joined at the club by
Highlanders and All Blacks
flanker Shannon Frizell and
former Crusaders centre/wing
Seta Tamanivalu while the side is
coached by former All Black and
Crusader Todd Blackadder.
Mo’unga could, potentially,
return to New Zealand in
mid-2026 and put himself in
the frame for the World Cup
in Australia the following year
by first playing the provincial
season. At that point, he will be
32.
However, the multiple
Crusaders Super Rugby
champion says he can imagine
playing in Japan “until I retire”.
“I’m focused on the present,
I just want to give all I can to
Toshiba,” he said.
“I really can see myself playing
here as long as I can until I
retire.”
Mo’unga started in the Rugby
World Cup final defeat to South
Africa, his 56th test for the All
Blacks. He sits fourth on the alltime
list for most points scored
for the All Blacks with 466.
Fellow departed All Blacks
now readying for a season in
Japan include Aaron Smith,
Beauden Barrett and Brodie
Retallick while captain Sam
Cane is taking a sabbatical and
skipping Super Rugby Pacific to
play for Suntory.
“I don’t like using the term
‘sabbatical’,” Mo’unga said.
“This isn’t a rest for me, it’s
not a one-year thing. I’m fully
involved and fully committed.”
Toshiba Brave Lupus finished
fifth last season, just outside the
playoffs.
“Every year for a long number
“My job as a father and a husband is to provide for my
family and put them first in decisions.” – Richie Mo’unga
of years, it’s been the same, same,
same,” he said.
“This is an experience for
myself to test my abilities in a
different environment.”
Mo’unga said last year he was
ultimately swayed by the chance
to set his family, which includes
young daughter Billie and son
Marley, up for life.
“It’s a touchy thing when
people are going overseas but
you can’t hide away from the
fact it’s life-changing for me and
my family,” Mo’unga told the
Herald.
“My job as a father and a
husband is to provide for my
family and put them first in
decisions. That’s basically what
I’m doing.
“I’ve got a short window
to play rugby so it’s taking
advantage of that. Japan is a
really good fit for me and my
family and the age my kids are
at. We’re excited to indulge in the
culture.”
– NZ Herald
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