All Blacks superstar No.10 Richie Mo’unga will be back in New Zealand rugby in July next year, paving the way for him to play at the 2027 World Cup.

In a massive boost for coach Scott Robertson, who has been lobbying hard for his return, Mo’unga, 31, has agreed an 18-month deal to come home.

He will be back in July 2026 after next year’s Japan season, and under the agreement, will play in the NPC competition for Canterbury Rugby next year, becoming eligible for an All Blacks return in October in time for the end-of-year Bledisloe Cup Tests.

However, the New Zealand Herald reported that “the short-term nature of Mo’unga’s commitment to New Zealand rugby has ruled him ineligible for an exemption to be fast-tracked straight into the All Blacks” and will limit him to 13 Tests before the World Cup.

Had he signed a longer-term contract stretching beyond the 2027 World Cup, the New Zealand Rugby board would have signed off on him joining the All Blacks immediately, the NZ Herald reported.

Richie Mo’unga of New Zealand poses for a portrait during the New Zealand Rugby World Cup 2023 Squad photocall on September 02, 2023 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Adam Pretty – World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)

That means he will miss next year’s July Tests and the tour to South Africa, featuring four Tests.

In 2027, Mo’unga will return to the Crusaders, where he won seven straight titles under Robertson.

“The Crusaders have always been a huge part of my life – not just as a player, but as a person,” Mo’unga said.

“I can’t wait to return in 2027 and continue to build on the legacy of the franchise. I’m really looking forward to reconnecting with the fans and contributing to the environment both on and off the field.

“I’ve grown a lot during my time in Japan with Toshiba, both on and off the field. It’s been an incredible experience with my family that I’ll always be grateful for, and I’m really excited for one more season with them.”

Mo’unga represented the All Blacks in 56 Tests between 2017 and 2023, and left after the most recent edition to sign with Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo. The flyhalf led his club to the past two titles, giving him nine top level club championship wins in nine years.

Robertson has been pushing hard to find a way to bring Mo’unga back into the fold, and the player was aware of the coach’s desire to have him available for the World Cup. His decision will also help avoid a potentially messy situation with Robertson looking for ways to bend the eligibility rules to get in Mo’unga.

“Obviously with ‘Razor’ coming along and saying he’d love to have me back home, it’s just given me another opportunity to think about where I’m at with my footy,” Mo’unga said last year.

“I’m trying to weigh up the options of what would be best for my family, but also what would be best for my footy as well.”

In March, Mo’unga told The Breakdown that he was eager to return for the 2027 tournament.

“Obviously, I want to play in another Rugby World Cup,” he declared. “That’s the thing you miss here playing in Japan – I guess, the world stage, really testing yourself against the best of the best of the world.”

Mo’unga was reportedly keen to line up in the AUNZ match against the British and Irish Lions last month but withdrew due to a broken hand suffered during the Japan season.

Richie Mo’unga and Scott Robertson are to be reunited at the All Blacks. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

NZR Chief Executive Mark Robinson said in a statement on Thursday: “We’re really pleased to have Richie re-committing to New Zealand Rugby, the Crusaders and Canterbury Rugby. He’s a proven talent with a strong track record of performing on the biggest stages. His experience and leadership will be a tremendous asset in the environments he joins on his return to New Zealand.”

Crusaders Chief Executive Colin Mansbridge said Mo’unga’s return was a special moment for the club and its supporters.

“The word care is thrown around a lot in this place, but the care Richie has for this club and this team is second to none. He has this gift of bringing out the best in those around him and we can’t wait to have him back here in 2027,” said Mainsbridge.