Richie Mo'unga will not face the Springboks during the July series or the Rugby Championship matches in South Africa this year, with New Zealand Rugby confirming no exemption has been sought under its overseas-based player policy.
Despite Mo'unga signing an 18-month deal to return to Canterbury and the Crusaders ahead of the 2027 World Cup, he remains ineligible until he is back playing in New Zealand and has met the required competition thresholds. NZR chief executive Steve Lancaster confirmed he will not be considered for the initial squads for either window.
"We're very clear and have a strong amount of belief in our policy for selection to the All Blacks," Lancaster told Newstalk ZB. He acknowledged the pressure around the policy but pointed to players who had committed to staying in New Zealand under the existing rules as a reason against relaxing it. "We have to think about the implications of relaxing it," he said.
Lancaster did leave the door fractionally ajar for later in the season. Should injuries strike after Mo'unga resumes domestic competition, he could become eligible. "But once he's back in New Zealand and playing, and if we do have injuries, then potentially he could be eligible," Lancaster said.
Mo'unga started at No.10 for the All Blacks at the last two Rugby World Cups and has been a recurring thorn in South African sides during the Super Rugby era.