Richie Mo'unga set to make Crusaders return in 2027

Richie Mo’unga will return to the Crusaders in 2027, as they set to welcome back one of the club’s greatest players just in time for a Rugby World Cup year.

The star fly-half has signed an 18-month contract that includes playing for Canterbury in the 2026 NPC, availability for the All Blacks’ northern tour, and full involvement with both the Crusaders and All Blacks through 2027.

Mo’unga, who won seven Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders before moving to Japan in 2024, had been linked with several teams upon his return to New Zealand, but Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge confirmed Christchurch was always his natural home.

“We’re stoked to have him home,” Mansbridge said. “It’s nice when somebody chooses to come back to the place they belong.”

Head coach Rob Penney welcomed the signing, calling Mo’unga a “great Crusader” whose maturity and international experience will bring added value to the squad.

"He's a great Crusader, his legacy speaks for itself [seven Super Rugby championships], and he wants to add another layer to that.

"It's wonderful to get someone of his calibre around the group and he'll be in a different space. His maturity and experienced over the last three years, or the previous three years in Japan.

"We'll add a lot of intrigue to the competition, but it is some special flavours to the Crusaders in 2027."