Dave Rennie has confirmed Richie Mo'unga will not be included in the 44-man All Blacks squad for the four-test 'Greatest Rivalry' series against South Africa, putting to rest speculation that the fly-half might be fast-tracked back into contention.
Mo'unga, 32, has been ineligible since leaving for Japan in 2023 under New Zealand Rugby's overseas-player rules and will not complete the required domestic provincial season until October — after the series concludes. He has returned home on a contract running through to the 2027 World Cup but must serve out that qualifying period regardless.
"He won't be coming on that tour, so we'll squash that," Rennie said on Thursday. "If a 10 got injured, then Richie's an option for us to bring in. But for now he'll just get back and play and get himself in great nick so if he gets an opportunity to come to Africa, he's ready to go."
Rennie was unequivocal about Mo'unga's form, having observed him directly while coaching a rival club in Japan. "I got to see him firsthand in Japan in the last three years, where he's been phenomenal." The issue is eligibility, not readiness.
Beyond the Mo'unga question, Rennie revealed the All Blacks' preparation is well advanced, with selectors having already mapped out squads for all four tour fixtures. New Zealand face the Stormers, Sharks and Bulls in provincial warmup matches before the opening test in Johannesburg on 22 August, and Rennie said every touring player will get game time in that opening week to push for test selection.
"We've picked the first four squads for the first four games in Africa," he said. "Everyone will get to play in that first week, so it's an opportunity for everyone to push for places."