EXCLUSIVE – Richie Mo’unga to join ANZAC team to play the Lions

Toshiba Brave Lupus star Richie Mo’unga has been invited to join the ANZAC team to play the British and Irish Lions by his former All Blacks head coach Ian Foster, RugbyJP.com can exclusively reveal.

The trans-Tasman team will be revived for the first time since 1989 and a host of Japan-based stars such as Aaron Smith and Michael Hooper are expected to come up against Andy Farrell's touring side at Adelaide Oval on 12 July.  

Speaking after champions Toshiba’s loss to high-flying Shizuoka on Saturday, Mo’unga, 30, confirmed that he’s been asked to play by Toyota Verblitz's co-head coach and is keen to take up the opportunity.  

“Yes, Foz has spoken to me about the game,” the 2023-2024 League One MVP told RugbyJP.com.

“I’m really interested in playing, it’s with my agents now,” added Mo’unga, who last played for New Zealand in the 2023 World Cup final and has been on the radar of Tonga Rugby Union who he could potentially qualify for at the end of 2026.

“I’ll have to ask Toshiba for permission to play next.

“I miss the big Test match setting, the big arenas, this will be the closest I’ll get to it while I’m in Japan,” added the former Crusaders standout who has scored nine tries this season for third-placed Toshiba who have already booked their spot in the play-offs.

Toshiba, whose two defeats have both come against Shizuoka, return to action on Friday 25 April against Samu Kerevi and Israel Folau’s basement outfit Urayasu D-Rocks at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium in Tokyo.

Picture courtesy of Toshiba Brave Lupus