Richie Mo’unga has reportedly turned down the chance to switch international allegiance ahead of Rugby World Cup 2027 — despite it recently emerging that he will be unavailable for All Blacks selection this summer due to New Zealand Rugby’s overseas selection rules.
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The fly-half, who has earned 56 caps for New Zealand, has not featured for the All Blacks since the 2023 World Cup final but remains determined to force his way back into the squad for the tournament in Australia in two years’ time.
Mo’unga is currently playing his club rugby in Japan with Toshiba Brave Lupus, meaning he is ineligible for All Blacks selection under NZR’s current policy on overseas-based players.
That latest snub is only likely to fuel further speculation around his long-term international future — especially after it emerged he was approached about representing Tonga.
With his late father born in Tonga and his mother Samoan, Mo’unga would qualify to represent either nation from October 2026 under World Rugby’s eligibility transfer laws, which require a three-year stand-down period after a player’s last Test appearance.
According to reports, Tonga made enquiries about the 30-year-old’s availability ahead of the next World Cup cycle, while interest also arrived from elsewhere around the rugby world.
“Yes, Tonga asked about Richie’s movements, but so did every other club in the world,” his agent Cameron McIntyre said.
“Richie is committed to playing for the ABs in the World Cup, as his re-signing with NZR shows.”
Despite remaining committed to New Zealand, Mo’unga’s continued absence from the international scene is likely to keep debate alive over whether NZR may eventually soften its hardline stance on selecting overseas-based players.
Other All Blacks who can swap nations..
Ardie Savea – Flanker / Number 8 – New Zealand or Samoa
- Position: Flanker / Number 8
- Height / Weight: 190 cm / 102 kg
- All Blacks Caps: 101
- Club: Moana Pasifika
Bio, Eligibility & Transfer Update:
Ardie Savea (born 14 October 1993 in Wellington) is one of the most influential loose forwards of his generation, renowned for his explosive ball-carrying, defensive work rate, leadership and consistency at the highest level. A former World Rugby Player of the Year, Savea has been a central figure for both the Hurricanes and the All Blacks over the past decade.
Recent reporting has pointed to internal tensions within the All Blacks environment, prompting speculation around Savea’s long-term future. That discussion has coincided with links to a potential move to Europe, with Irish province Leinster mentioned as a possible destination should he elect to pursue club rugby offshore following his current sabbatical in Japan.
Savea is of Samoan heritage and, under World Rugby eligibility regulations, could represent Samoa after completing the required stand-down period from international rugby. He has previously spoken with pride about his heritage, but there has been no indication that a decision regarding an international switch has been made.
He remains contracted to New Zealand Rugby and is expected to return to Super Rugby, though the combination of overseas interest, eligibility flexibility and reported fallout has placed his international future under closer scrutiny than at any point in his career.
Hoskins Sotutu – Flanker / Number 8 – England or Fiji
- Position: Flanker / Number 8
- Height / Weight: 192 cm / 106 kg
- All Blacks Caps: ~14
- Club: Blues (NZ) (joining Newcastle Red Bulls in 2026)
Bio, Eligibility & Transfer Update:
Hoskins Colin Ryder Sotutu (born 12 July 1998 in Auckland) is a powerful, dynamic loose forward with a well-rounded game, known for his ball-carrying, offloading, and breakdown work. His pedigree includes New Zealand Secondary Schools and U20 representation.
He is eligible for England through his mother and Fiji through his father. After attracting strong interest from clubs across the Gallagher Premiership, Sotutu has agreed a move to Newcastle Red Bulls in the summer of 2026, securing his future in the northern hemisphere.
While he will remain with the Blues until then, the impending switch brings his international future into focus. Under World Rugby eligibility regulations, he could still qualify to represent either England or Fiji in time for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, offering both nations a powerful and skilful loose forward option.
