Richie Mo’unga has been ruled out after suffering a calf injury during All Blacks training, dealing New Zealand a significant blow.
The returning fly-half picked up the injury during Tuesday’s training session, with subsequent scans confirming a tear.
New Zealand Rugby confirmed that Mo’unga’s return-to-play timeline is yet to be determined, meaning there is currently no date set for his comeback.
No replacement has been called into the All Blacks squad at this stage.
The setback comes at a particularly frustrating time for Mo’unga, who has only recently returned to the international fold after spending the last three seasons playing his club rugby in Japan.
The 32-year-old had been unavailable for New Zealand selection while representing Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo due to the country’s overseas selection policy.
His comeback had therefore been eagerly anticipated, with Dan Carter recently making his feelings clear on Mo’ungafollowing his return to the Test arena.
The injury now leaves the All Blacks facing another selection headache as they assess their options at fly-half.
Double injury blow
Mo’unga is not the only player to have been ruled out.
Fehi Fineanganofo has also been stood down after suffering a concussion and hamstring strain while playing for Bay of Plenty.
Fineanganofo will now complete the mandatory 12-day stand-down period, while scans have also confirmed an upper hamstring injury.
Chay Fihaki has been called into the squad as his replacement.
According to the official All Blacks website, no replacement has currently been named for Mo’unga.
The severity of the fly-half’s calf tear and the length of his absence remain unclear, with further updates expected once a return-to-play timeline has been established.
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Richie Mo’unga: Five things you might not know about the All Blacks star
Richie Mo’unga has established himself as one of the best fly-halves of his generation.
The New Zealand star enjoyed huge success with the Crusaders before making the move to Japan.
He has also played on rugby’s biggest stage with the All Blacks.
Here are five things you should know about Mo’unga.
1. He won seven straight Super Rugby titles
Mo’unga enjoyed an incredible run of success with the Crusaders.
He helped them win seven straight Super Rugby titles between 2017 and 2023.
2. He made his All Blacks debut in 2018
Mo’unga won his first New Zealand cap against France in 2018.
He went on to become the All Blacks’ first-choice fly-half.
3. He started the 2023 World Cup final
Mo’unga wore the number 10 shirt against South Africa in Paris.
The Springboks won the final 12-11.
4. He moved to Japan after the World Cup
Mo’unga left the Crusaders after the 2023 season.
He joined Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo in Japan.
5. He became a champion in Japan
Success followed Mo’unga to his new club.
He helped Brave Lupus win back-to-back Japan Rugby League One titles in 2024 and 2025.
