All Blacks coach Dave Rennie on the Richie Mo’unga, Brodie Retallick eligbility debate

Tuesday, 12 May 2026

Richie Mo’unga will have to bide his time before rejoining Jordie Barrett in an All Blacks jersey.

As it stands, returning No 10 Richie Mo’unga will not tour South Africa with the All Blacks in August, with new coach Dave Rennie indicating he is a somewhat reluctant convert to New Zealand Rugby’s strict eligibility criteria.

Rennie confirmed in a standup with media at HQ in Auckland on Tuesday that his initial plan had been to include the 31-year-old Mo’unga in a 44-strong touring group to South Africa and give him the chance to press his claims for test selection from the off.

But that view had now been changed after more time speaking to his new bosses around the implications and intent of the criteria which aims to fiercely protect those loyal to the New Zealand game. At a time when an increasing number of middle-tier players are being enticed offshore, NZR remains convinced its selection stance is a vital pillar in talent retention.

Mo’unga, who has been playing in Japan since the last of his 56 tests at the 2023 World Cup, has signed an 18-month deal with NZ rugby through the next global tournament. Under current regulations, he would have to play NPC rugby before becoming All Blacks eligible, which would not be until the Bledisloe series against the Wallabies.

Rennie could seek a special exemption from the board, with precedent for such passes to be granted, though appeared reluctant to go down that avenue. He could also potentially bring Mo’unga in as an injury replacement during the South African tour.

In his media standup, the names Mo’unga, Brodie Retallick and Leicester Fainga’anuku were the most prominent as the new All Blacks coach discussed his imminent full immersion into the role. He is in the final stages of seeing out his commitments with Kobelco Kobe Steelers in Japan’s League One before returning to New Zealand in a month’s time.

“I know there’s been a lot of chat around [Mo’unga],” he said. “The protocols mean that because Richie hasn’t committed for a couple of years he’s not available to come to Africa, and he’ll play NPC.

Damian McKenzie and Beauden Barrett may have to carry the No 10 load in the All Blacks for much of 2026.

“My thinking would have been we wouldn’t use him in July (for the Nations Championship) – we’ve got good depth here – but Richie would have been in the group getting his head around how we’re going to play the game, and include him in the squad to Africa, probably play him against the Stormers first game and let him earn the right to fight for a test spot.

“But the criteria means you can’t do that. We’re still hoping to get him in so he can get his head around things, and maybe if there are injuries there’s an option to bring him in.”

Rennie said Mo’unga “had his head around the situation. He’s prepared to play the NPC. We’ve accepted that situation and understand NZ Rugby’s mindset around it, so we’ll just get on with it.”

Rennie feels he has No 10 well covered with Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie and Ruben Love the lead contenders. “We’re blessed in that position,” he added. “I’m excited watching over the next few weeks as the intensity grows around how certain guys are performing. It’s definitely a position of strength.”

Dave Rennie has confirmed that Brodie Retallick is not interested in putting his hand up for the All Blacks this year.

Speaking of eligibility, Rennie confirmed veteran lock Brodie Retallick, who plays for him in Japan, was not interested in an All Blacks return this year. However the coach was not willing to rule out a potential World Cup run for a player he tagged “still the best lock in the world”.

“He’s unavailable to do a lot of long-distance travel,” said Rennie who opened a can of worms previously when he mentioned Retallick as someone he would love to have back. “He never was. I was always talking about maybe a World Cup. The biggest travel Brodie does nowadays is on the Shinkansen to Tokyo. He wasn’t excited about six weeks in Africa, and I think even Razor (previous coach Scott Robertson) had that conversation with him 12 months ago.

“We’ve got 150-odd days in hotels this year. That wouldn’t excite the big man. We’ll continue to have discussions about flexibility around a guy who has played 12 years of test rugby and made a massive contribution to rugby here. I reckon he’s earned the right if he was available, the system allowed and he was playing well enough.

“He’s been the best player in Japan … the top try-scorer. He’s been phenomenal.”

So, maybe next year?

“I’m not sure Kobe would be too excited about this conversation,” smiled the coach. “[The World Cup] is in the off-season, I know he loves the All Blacks, and I reckon he’s good enough. We’ll focus on this year and talk about Brodie next year.”

One player front and centre of New Zealand rugby conversations is Fainga’anuku, in the midst of reinventing himself from a midfielder and wing into an openside flanker with the Crusaders.

Rennie has clearly been intrigued.

“He’s gone well. I’ve been really impressed from a work ethic point of view. He’s carrying a lot, he’s stealing ball and so on. I know there’s a lot to refine in his game as a 7, but his ability to play out on the edge as a winger or as 7 gives you genuine versatility. You pick a 6-2 split and you’ve got someone who can genuinely play at test level out wide. He's been a point of discussion.”