Mo'unga departs Japan after quarter-final exit ends Toshiba's title defence

Richie Mo’unga’s three-year stint in Japan is over after Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo were eliminated from the League One playoffs by Kubota Spears 26-3 in the quarter-finals, ending any hope of a third successive title for the All Blacks fly-half and his club.

Toshiba limped into the post-season with a record of eight wins and ten losses — a significant drop from the 14 and 15 wins they posted in Mo’unga’s first two seasons, when they claimed back-to-back championships. Kubota, who finished among the top three sides after 18 regular-season games, were comfortable throughout and Mo’unga’s men never threatened a comeback.

The 32-year-old was subdued by his own standards in the defeat, making just two carries — though those touches produced one linebreak, four defenders beaten and 61 run metres. On social media, Mo’unga acknowledged the “threepeat” was “not to be” while celebrating the “something pretty special” achieved across his first two seasons at the club.

In a farewell message to supporters filmed pitchside after the final whistle, Mo’unga was candid about the mark Japan has left on him. “My experience and the lifestyle here have just been absolutely amazing,” he said. “Really sad to be leaving, going back home to New Zealand, but I’ll be taking Japan back home with me and will remember and cherish all of the memories that I’ve created here the last three seasons. Arigato gozaimasu.”

Mo’unga has signed an 18-month contract with Canterbury, the Crusaders and New Zealand Rugby, and is expected to pull on Canterbury colours when the NPC season opens on 1 August against Auckland at One New Zealand Stadium — 65 days away.

His return has immediate implications for the All Blacks’ Rugby World Cup planning. Mo’unga will not be eligible for the opening fixture of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour against the Stormers on 8 August, but his Canterbury appearances will restore his eligibility, making him available as injury cover during the subsequent four-Test series against South Africa.

All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has indicated Mo’unga would have started the tour opener had he been available, underlining the selectors’ confidence in the veteran playmaker as New Zealand begins building its squad for the 2027 World Cup. Mo’unga’s 18-month deal means he will be off-contract at the conclusion of that tournament, leaving open the possibility of a return to Japan.