The update was delivered by Steve Lancaster, recently appointed as New Zealand Rugby Chief Executive, who said the governing body will not relax its overseas player policy. Mo’unga is due to return from Japan ahead of the Nations Championship, but current regulations require domestic participation before All Blacks selection.

Lancaster said the policy is reviewed regularly at board level and remains fit for purpose. Lancaster said the approach keeps leading players in New Zealand competitions and supports long‑term stability for the game.
Lancaster acknowledged the preference of new All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie to have top players available, but said the policy will stand.

Lancaster said several world‑class players in the same position have committed to remain in New Zealand on the basis of the rules.

Under New Zealand Rugby regulations, Mo’unga must first play for Canterbury in the NPC before becoming eligible in October. A possible exception exists only if injuries create an urgent need, though Rennie currently has multiple options, including Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, and Ruben Love.

Lancaster said eligibility could be reconsidered once Mo’unga is back in New Zealand and playing, subject to injury circumstances. Former All Blacks coach Scott Robertson previously urged New Zealand Rugby to keep an open mind on overseas eligibility, a discussion that has resumed under Rennie. Lancaster said the debate reflects a healthy tension between immediate performance goals and the administrators’ responsibility to protect the system over the medium to long term.

Lancaster said the coaching focus is on winning the World Cup next year, while New Zealand Rugby must balance that ambition with policies designed to safeguard the domestic game.

–SABCSport/ChannelAfrica–