All Blacks star Richie Mo’unga makes decision on swapping nations

Tuesday, 20 January 2026 at 05:53

byRugby Rucker

The All Blacks have faced more than just challenges on the field. Scott Robertson’s shock sacking has deepened the uncertainty.

It may reopen the door for some players who were effectively exiled, even if their futures remain unclear. While a few could yet find their way back, others have grown frustrated with the hierarchy and internal management.

As tensions simmer, speculation has grown around leading players considering life beyond the All Blacks. For some, that means overseas club rugby. In rarer cases, it could mean representing another nation.

Among those under scrutiny is Lima Sopoaga. The world-class fly-halves next move could reshape both his career and the wider debate around player pathways in the modern gam

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Richie Mo’unga – Fly‑Half / First Five – Tonga or Samoa

Position: Fly-Half / First Five
Height / Weight: ~1.78 m / ~85 kg
All Blacks Caps: 56 Tests (2017–2023)
Club Plan: Toshiba Brave Lupus (Japan), returning to NZ from July 2026 on an 18-month deal

Bio & Eligibility:

Richie Mo’unga (born 25 May 1994 in Christchurch) is a world-class playmaker renowned for his vision, tactical kicking, and game control.

After leaving New Zealand for Japan following the 2023 World Cup, he has agreed to return on an 18-month contract beginning in July 2026. That deal would make him eligible for All Blacks selection later this year. For now, his intention is clear: a return to the All Blacks. But in the current climate, that decision could quickly change.

With the All Blacks in turmoil, Mo’unga may yet reconsider his future, despite previously rejecting the opportunity to switch allegiances.

Through his parents, he is also eligible to represent Tonga or Samoa—his mother is Samoan and his father Tongan. In theory, the door remains open for him to represent one of those nations by 2027 should he ultimately choose not to rejoin the All Blacks.

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.

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.

Mark Tele’a – Wing – South Africa or Samoa

Position: Wing
All Blacks Caps: 19 tests (debut 2022)
Club / Move: Leaves Blues end of 2025 to play in Japan, making All Blacks selection unlikely if he doesn’t return

Bio & Eligibility:
Mark Evander Tele’a (born 6 December 1996, Auckland) is a dynamic winger with a powerful running style. His father is South African and his mother is Samoan, making him eligible for South Africa or Samoa.

Because NZ Rugby generally doesn’t select overseas-based players, his move to Japan could open the door to a switch — though his most recent All Blacks cap was in 2024/2025, so timing will be key.

Aidan Ross – Prop – Australia

Position: Loosehead Prop
Height / Weight: 189 cm / 111 kg
All Blacks Caps: 1 Test (vs Ireland, 2022)
Current Club: Queensland Reds from July 2025
Wallabies Caps: 2 (as of 2025)

Bio & Eligibility:
Aidan Ross was born in Gosford, NSW, Australia, but moved to New Zealand as a child. After his All Blacks debut in 2022, he is now eligible for Australia having completed the three-year stand-down. In 2025, he made his Wallabies debut, crossing the Tasman for a second time in his international career.

Ross brings scrummaging power and front-row experience, strengthening Australia’s pack with his Kiwi-honed skills.

Gus (Pita Gus) Sowakula – Flanker / Number 8 – Fiji

Position: Flanker / Number 8
Height / Weight: 195 cm / 110 kg
All Blacks Caps: 2 (2022)
Current Club: Clermont (France)
Fiji Caps: Debuted for Fiji in 2025

Bio & Eligibility:
Pita Gus Nacagilevu Sowakula (born 26 October 1994, Lautoka, Fiji) played for New Zealand (All Blacks) in 2022, earning two caps. After standing down, he made his debut for Fiji in 2025.

Known for his powerful carries, breakdown strength, and versatility in the back row, he adds both international experience and physicality to the Fijian pack.

QUIZ: Can you name these retro All Blacks?

Renowned for their international dominance, the All Blacks are widely regarded as one of the most successful teams in sporting history. From legendary captains to game-changing backs and fearless forwards, generations of players have built a legacy that few can match.

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With Rugby World Cup triumphs in 1987, 2011, and 2015—and as the first nation to ever retain the title—the All Blacks’ past is packed with iconic moments and unforgettable names.

Now it’s your turn: can you recognise these retro All Blacks players? Test your knowledge of the legends who shaped the black jersey.

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