Richie Mo'unga

Last updated

Richie Mo'unga
Richie Mo'unga 2019.jpg
Mo'unga representing New Zealand during the Rugby World Cup
Full nameRichard Fou'a Mo'unga
Date of birth (1994-05-25) 25 May 1994 (age 30)
Place of birth Christchurch, New Zealand
Height1.76 m (5 ft 9 in) [1]
Weight85 kg (187 lb; 13 st 5 lb) [1]
School St. Andrew's College
Rugby union career
Position(s) First five-eighth, Fullback
Current team Toshiba Brave Lupus
Senior career
YearsTeamApps(Points)
2013–2023 Canterbury 51 (350)
2016–2023 Crusaders 109 (1,230)
2024– Toshiba Brave Lupus 14 (153)
Correct as of 21 May 2024
International career
YearsTeamApps(Points)
2014 New Zealand U20 5 (29)
2017–2023 New Zealand 56 (464)
Correct as of 29 October 2023
Medal record
Men's Rugby union
Representing Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand
Rugby World Cup
Bronze medal icon (B initial).svg 2019 Japan Squad
Silver medal icon (S initial).svg 2023 France Squad

Richie Mo'unga (born 25 May 1994) is a New Zealand professional rugby union player who plays as a first five-eighth for Japan Rugby League One club Toshiba Brave Lupus and the New Zealand national team. [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]

Contents

Early life

Mo'unga was born in Christchurch, to a Tongan-born father and a Samoan-born mother. He was initially educated at Riccarton High School in his hometown before being offered a scholarship at St. Andrew's College where he played U15 in 2009 then 1st XV rugby for 3 years and captained them in his senior year (2012). After graduating college, he began playing for Linwood in the local Canterbury senior club rugby competition while at the same time being a member of the Canterbury Academy. [2] [6] [7]

Club career

He was not named as a full member of Canterbury's squad for the 2013 ITM Cup, but in what was just his first year out of school, he was called up to cover injuries and All Black absences and went on to make 8 appearances during the campaign which finished with Canterbury defeating Wellington in the Premiership final. He was upgraded to a full squad member in 2014 and played in 10 matches, featuring both at first five-eighth and fullback as Canterbury fell in the tournament's semifinal stage.

He again made 10 appearances as Canterbury regained their ITM Cup Premiership title in 2015 with a 50-20 win over Springboks in the final.

As a result of his excellent domestic showings for Canterbury, Mo'unga was named in the Crusaders Wider Training Group for the 2015 Super Rugby season. However due to the presence of the likes of Dan Carter, Colin Slade and Tom Taylor in the Crusaders backline, he did not get any game time in his first season at Super Rugby level.

Nonetheless, the departures of all three players ahead of the 2016 season saw Mo'unga promoted to the full Crusaders squad. He made his debut on 27 February 2016 in a match at home to the Chiefs and went on to start all 16 matches during a season which ended with Crusaders losing 42-25 to the Lions in Johannesburg in the quarterfinals. [3] [8]

The 2016 Mitre 10 Cup saw him firmly established in the number 10 jersey for Canterbury, as they went on to be crowned New Zealand champions for the 8th time in 9 years. [3]

Mo'unga started in all of his 13 games in the 2017 season for the Crusaders. Mo'unga scored 10 points in the 2017 Super Rugby Final in Johannesburg, South Africa against the Lions, leading the Crusaders to a 25-17 win and their 8th Super Rugby title.

Mo'unga finished the 2017 Mitre 10 Cup season as the leading point scorer in the competition, scoring 160 points in just 10 games for Canterbury. In the final against Tasman, Mo'unga broke the record for the most points scored in a final when he scored 25 points (2 tries, 3 conversions and 3 penalties). He was named Man of the Match.

In 2018, Mo'unga started in 12 games for the Crusaders. This included a Man of the Match performance in the Super Rugby Final played in Christchurch, New Zealand where he scored 17 points to lead the Crusaders to their second consecutive title.

Mo'unga had a poor start to the 2019 Super Rugby season, beginning the season with a low kicking percentage. [9] Despite his poor start to the season, Mo'unga eventually kicked on, finishing the Crusaders "three peat" season as one of the competition's highest points scorers, second only to Handré Pollard from the Bulls. [10] Mo'unga scored 20 points in the semifinal, as well as 14 points in the final, which was a win over the Jaguares.

Since the start of 2020 Mo'unga has become one of the best first five-eighth in New Zealand with outstanding performances during Super Rugby, leading the Crusaders to Super Rugby Aotearoa titles in both 2020 and 2021 and again in the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season with the side now having won six years in a row.

International career

Mo'unga was a member of the New Zealand Under 20 side, which finished 3rd in the 2014 IRB Junior World Championship in New Zealand, where he scored 29 points in 5 games. [11] [12]

Mo'unga represented the Barbarians against New Zealand, on 4 November 2017, at Twickenham Stadium, London. Mo'unga scored 7 points, scoring the game's opening try and also converting a Barbarian try in the 31st minute.

After the Barbarians match, Mo'unga joined the All Blacks for their Northern Tour, having warranted a place in the squad through his performance in the Mitre 10 Cup. Mo'unga was named on the bench for a New Zealand side for a midweek game against a French side. He converted a try by lock Patrick Tuipulotu after coming on as a replacement in the second half. This match however did not count as an official test match.

Mo'unga made his official test debut on 23 June 2018 against France during the France test series where he replaced Damian McKenzie in the 69th minute. The All Blacks won 49–14. Mo'unga made his first ever start for New Zealand during Round 3 of the competition, on 8 September 2018. Mo'unga led the All Blacks to a 46-24 victory over Argentina by scoring 16 of the team's points. Mo'unga only missed one kick on the night and lasted the full 80 minutes.

Mo'unga's starting performance against Argentina saw him temporarily overtake Damian McKenzie, as backup to regular starter Beauden Barrett. This saw Mo'unga feature off the bench against Argentina and South Africa in the final two rounds of the competition. Mo'unga replaced winger Waisake Naholo, in the 51st minute against South Africa, with Ben Smith moved to wing, and Beauden Barrett moved into fullback, to accommodate for Mo'unga at first-five. Mo'unga took kicking duties off Barrett, who had missed a drop goal during the match. Mo'unga converted Ardie Savea's last minute try, after the 80th minute, winning the game for the All Blacks, making the final result against South Africa 32-30. [13] Mo'unga finished as one of the highest points scorers of the Rugby Championship, with 24 points. This ranked Mo'unga 6th of all the points scorers.

Mo'unga remained unable to become a regular starter for New Zealand on the 2018 end of year tour. After replacing McKenzie in the third Bledisloe Cup test, against Australia, in a 37-20 win, Mo'unga earned a start against Japan on 3 November. Mo'unga scored 22 points during New Zealand's 69-31 win over Japan, including his first international try. Mo'unga stayed on for the full 80 minutes, with debutant first-five, Brett Cameron, instead replacing Waisake Naholo, although Utility Back, Jordie Barrett, did kick some goals towards the end of the test against Japan, in which Mo'unga was one of the best performers. [14]

He made an appearance in every test on the end of year tour, coming off the bench in the final three, which were wins against England and Italy, as well as a 9-16 loss to Ireland.

Named in the All Blacks squad for the 2019 Rugby Championship, Mo'unga was named at first-five-eighth after starting fullback Damian Mckenzie was ruled out of the tournament with an ACL injury. The All Blacks starting five-eighth, Beauden Barrett was shifted to fullback, as part of a continuation of the dual playmaker system, while Waisake Naholo was dropped from the national setup entirely to make room for Mo'unga and Barrett's combination. After New Zealand's 16-16 draw with South Africa and record 26-47 loss to Australia the Mo'unga and Barrett combination was criticised in New Zealand widely. With many fans and media alike both favouring the experience of veteran Ben Smith at fullback, and 2 time player of the year, Beauden Barrett, at first five-eighth. However, Mo'unga grabbed a 14 point haul against Australia in the second Bledisloe Cup test against Australia for the year, before being replaced by Jordie Barrett. The 36-0 win over Australia saw Mo'unga sustain a shoulder injury, which ruled him out for one test, against Tonga.

On 28 August 2019, All Blacks Head Coach, Steve Hansen, named Mo'unga as one of 31 players selected in New Zealand's squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup. [15] Mo'unga was named as the only specialist first five-eighth in the squad, with the injured Damian McKenzie, as well as single cap All Blacks, Brett Cameron and Josh Ioane missing out. Mo'unga started at first five-eighth throughout the tournament, winning the man of the match award against Canada. After a solid display against Ireland in the quarter-finals, Mo'unga and the All Blacks were knocked out of the 2019 Rugby World Cup at the semi-finals against England, losing 19-7. Mo'unga was retained at first-five for the third place play off, where he led them to a 40-17 victory over Wales.

Personal life

In 2019, Mo'unga and his partner, Sophie Vieceli, announced their engagement on social media. [16]

Honours

New Zealand

Rugby Championship 2018,2020,2021,2022,2023

Crusaders

2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Israel Dagg</span> New Zealand rugby player (1988-2023)

Israel Jamahl Akuhata Dagg is a former New Zealand rugby union player who played for the Crusaders in Super Rugby. He has also played for the New Zealand Sevens team, and represents Hawkes Bay in the ITM Cup.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kieran Read</span> New Zealand rugby union player

Kieran James Read is a New Zealand former rugby union player. He played as a number 8 and is a former captain of the New Zealand national team, the All Blacks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ben Smith (rugby union)</span> New Zealand rugby union player, born 1986

Benjamin Robert Smith is a retired New Zealand rugby union player, currently working for Super Rugby side Highlanders' management team. He formerly played for the Highlanders in the Super Rugby competition, Otago in the ITM Cup, Pau in the Top 14 and Kobelco Steelers in the Japan Rugby League One.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sam Whitelock</span> New Zealand rugby union footballer

Samuel Lawrence Whitelock is a former New Zealand rugby union player.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">James Marshall (rugby union)</span> Rugby player

James Ryan Marshall is a former New Zealand rugby union player. He played in the First five-eighth, Fullback and occasionally Second five-eighth positions for the Hurricanes in Super Rugby and Tasman in the Bunnings NPC. He also captained the Taranaki Bulls in the ITM Cup. He is the older brother of Crusader Tom Marshall. He announced his retirement on his What a Lad Podcast in January 2021 due to an ongoing injury to his hip. He is currently the assistant coach for the Crusaders.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lima Sopoaga</span> Rugby player

Lima Zachariah Sopoaga is a professional rugby union player who plays as a fly-half for Japan Rugby League One club Shimizu Blue Sharks. Born in New Zealand, he represents Samoa at international level after qualifying on ancestry grounds.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Beauden Barrett</span> New Zealand rugby union player (born 1991)

Beauden John Barrett is a New Zealand professional rugby union player who plays as a Fly half for Japan Rugby League One club Toyota Verblitz and for the New Zealand national team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ryan Crotty</span> Rugby player

Ryan Stevenson Crotty is a New Zealand-born rugby union Rugby player. He currently plays as a midfield back for the Kubota Spears in the Japanese Top League.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tom Taylor (rugby union)</span> NZ international rugby union player (born 1989)

Thomas James Taylor is a New Zealand rugby union footballer. He played as a second five-eighth or first five-eighth for the Crusaders in Super Rugby. and Canterbury in the ITM Cup. He can also play fullback.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ardie Savea</span> Rugby player

Ardie Suemalo Savea is a New Zealand rugby union player who plays as a flanker or number 8 for Wellington in the Bunnings NPC, Hurricanes in Super Rugby and international rugby for the New Zealand All Blacks. Savea was a member of New Zealand's 2019 Rugby World Cup squad and 2023 Rugby World Cup squad. He was named the 2023 World Rugby Player of the Year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Waisake Naholo</span> Rugby player

Waisake Ratunideuba Naholo is a New Zealand rugby union player. He previously played for the All Blacks Sevens and on the wing position for London Irish. In May 2022 he signed with Rugby New York, who play in the Major League Rugby competition.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Codie Taylor</span> New Zealand rugby union player

Codie Joshua Dane Taylor is a New Zealand professional rugby union player, who currently plays as a hooker for the Crusaders in Super Rugby and is contracted to Canterbury for New Zealand's domestic National Provincial Championship competition. He represents New Zealand internationally.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Liam Squire</span> New Zealand rugby union player

Liam Ivan John Squire is a former New Zealand rugby union player from Tokomaru, New Zealand. He played in the Number 8 and Blindside flanker position for Tasman in the Mitre 10 Cup. Squire joined the NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes in Japan on a two-year deal after the 2019 season but later made an early return to New Zealand in September 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scott Barrett (rugby union)</span> New Zealand rugby union player

Scott Kevin Barrett is a New Zealand professional rugby union player who currently plays as a lock for the Crusaders in Super Rugby and Taranaki in the Mitre 10 Cup. Barrett was chosen as the Crusaders' Captain for the 2020 Super Rugby season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Damian McKenzie</span> Rugby player

Damian Sinclair McKenzie is a New Zealand rugby union player who plays fullback or First five-eighth for Waikato in the Bunnings NPC competition and Chiefs in super rugby. McKenzie has played 40 tests for New Zealand since his international debut in 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jack Goodhue</span> New Zealand rugby union player

Elias Jack Goodhue is a New Zealand rugby union player who currently plays as a Centre for Castres Olympique in the French Top 14.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jordie Barrett</span> New Zealand rugby union player

Jordan Matthew Barrett is a New Zealand rugby union player who currently plays as a utility back internationally for New Zealand's All Blacks, and for the Hurricanes in the Super Rugby competition. Having previously been an apprentice for the All Black squad in 2016, Barrett was first selected for New Zealand in 2017, making his debut against Samoa in a warm-up test prior to the British & Irish Lions series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">George Bridge</span> New Zealand rugby union player

George Crispin Bridge is a New Zealand rugby union player who currently plays as an outside back for Montpellier Hérault Rugby in France's domestic TOP 14. Bridge made his international debut for New Zealand in 2018, aged 23.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Josh Ioane</span> New Zealand rugby union player (born 1995)

Joshua R. Ioane is a New Zealand rugby union player who plays for Waikato in the Bunnings NPC and the Chiefs in Super Rugby. His position of choice is fly-half.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rieko Ioane</span> New Zealander rugby union player

Rieko Edward Ioane is a New Zealand professional rugby union footballer who plays as a wing or as a centre for New Zealand team Blues in Super Rugby and the New Zealand national team. In his youth career, he was selected to play in the 2014 and 2015 Sevens World Series for New Zealand and took part in Auckland Grammar School first XV, the top representative team in secondary school.

References

  1. 1 2 "Richie Mo'unga player profile". rugbyworldcup.com. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  2. 1 2 "Richie Mo'unga Canterbury Player Profile". Canterbury Rugby. Archived from the original on 20 October 2014. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  3. 1 2 3 "Richie Mo'unga Player Statistics". itsrugby.co.uk. Retrieved 20 October 2014.
  4. "Richie Mo'unga ESPN Scrum Player Profile". ESPN Scrum. Retrieved 20 October 2014.
  5. "Crusaders 2017 Squad Guide" (PDF). allblacks.com. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 July 2019. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  6. 1 2 "Richie Mo'unga Crusaders Player Profile". Crusaders Rugby. Archived from the original on 6 November 2023. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  7. "Young gun Mo'unga firing for Crusaders in Super Rugby". Rugby Heaven. 5 May 2016. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  8. "BNZ Crusaders team to play the Chiefs". Crusaders. Retrieved 25 February 2016.
  9. "Super Rugby: How Crusaders pivot Richie Mo'unga turned around his goal-kicking". stuff.co.nz. 7 July 2019. Retrieved 19 September 2019.
  10. "Super Rugby Stats - Sanzar". SANZAAR. Retrieved 19 September 2019.
  11. "NZU20 squad named for IRB JWC2014". All Blacks. 23 April 2014. Archived from the original on 9 September 2020. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  12. "Richie Mo'unga NZ U20 Player Profile". All Blacks. Archived from the original on 1 January 2017. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  13. "'He didn't panic' All Blacks coaches rave over Richie Mo'unga's heroics". TVNZ. 7 October 2018. Retrieved 8 October 2018.
  14. "All Blacks player ratings against Japan in the Tokyo test". stuff.co.nz. 3 November 2018. Retrieved 27 December 2018.
  15. "All Blacks squad named for Rugby World Cup 2019". allblacks.com. 28 August 2019. Archived from the original on 3 September 2019. Retrieved 19 September 2019.
  16. "All Black Richie Mo'unga gets engaged to partner Sophie Vieceli after 'casual date horse riding down the beach'". TVNZ. 29 August 2019. Retrieved 25 October 2019.