An early return to New Zealand is highly unlikely for 56-test All Blacks first-five Richie Mo'unga.

The 30-year-old's agent Cam McIntyre has confirmed his Japanese club and New Zealand Rugby were in talks to forgo the final year of his three-year contract.

But those discussions have stalled and - despite All Blacks coach Scott Robertson being keen to have his Crusaders' talisman back this July - the earliest Mo'unga could return to the All Blacks would be the middle of next year.

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An early return to New Zealand is highly unlikely for 56-test All Blacks first-five Richie Mo'unga.
The 30-year-old's agent Cam McIntyre has confirmed his Japanese club and New Zealand Rugby were in talks to forgo the final year of his three-year contract.
But those discussions have stalled and - despite All Blacks coach Scott Robertson being keen to have his Crusaders' talisman back this July - the earliest Mo'unga could return to the All Blacks would be the middle of next year.
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

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D'Arcy Waldegrave lives and breathes sport. He loves motorsport and revels in the torment of being a Warriors and Black Caps fan. Whatever the sport, big or small, he’s got a view.

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Colin Mansbridge: On Richie Mo'unga ruling out a return to the All Blacks

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/130bdcee-807d-4fb0-8ea4-b26d00758752/transcript