{
  "id": 718420,
  "title": "Flyhalf Richie Mo'unga to join the New Zealand All Blacks on rugby tour of South Africa",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/13/flyhalf-richie-mounga-to-join-the-new-zealand-all-blacks-on-rugby",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-13T01:20:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/flyhalf-richie-mounga-join-zealand-012037855.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Wellington, New Zealand - Former flyhalf Richie Mo unga has been recalled to the New Zealand All Blacks for their rugby tour of South Africa, marking his return after a three-year absence due to injury. At 32 years old, Mo unga last represented his country at the 2023 World Cup. He previously played for Japanese club Toshiba Brave Lupus for three seasons before returning to New Zealand this year to join Canterbury in the National Provincial Championship.\n\nMo unga was not eligible for selection by the All Blacks until he had played in the NPC. He departed Christchurch for the tour on Thursday, which will feature four tests against the Springboks - three in South Africa and one in the United States. His return to the national team comes following a shoulder injury to center Billy Proctor. Damian McKenzie, one of four flyhalves in the touring squad, is also dealing with a minor ankle injury.\n\nMo unga's most recent international appearance was in the 2023 World Cup final against South Africa, where the Springboks emerged victorious by a single point. The All Blacks began their tour with two wins against South African provinces, starting with a 38-21 victory over the Stormers in Cape Town, followed by a commanding 54-0 win over the Sharks in Durban.",
  "summary": "Richie Mo'unga has been recalled to the New Zealand All Blacks after a three-year after absence as an injury replacement on the so-called “Greatest Rivalry” rugby tou r of South Africa. Mo'unga wasn't eligible to be chosen by the All Blacks until he had played in the NPC.",
  "key_points": [
    "Richie Mo unga returns to All Blacks after three-year injury absence.",
    "32-year-old flyhalf last played at 2023 World Cup.",
    "Tour includes four tests against Springboks in South Africa and US."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Richie Mo'unga's recall to the All Blacks for the South Africa tour signals a boost to New Zealand's midfield options after injuries to Billy Proctor and Damian McKenzie.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}