Japan-bound Mo'unga warns of All Blacks talent drain

Japan-bound All Blacks fly-half Richie Mo'unga warned that New Zealand rugby faces a chronic talent drain unless authorities allow overseas-based players to represent their country.

Mo'unga has signed a three-year deal with Toshiba Brave Lupus and will join the Japanese side after playing for the All Blacks at the World Cup in France.

The move will make him ineligible to play for the All Blacks because governing body New Zealand Rugby only selects players who are based at home.

Mo'unga will be joined at Toshiba next year by current All Blacks team-mate Shannon Frizell and he believes New Zealand must change its approach with more and more players being lured overseas.

The 28-year-old says New Zealand are going to have to adapt a lot quicker, otherwise they are going to see players leave a lot earlier and not be able to represent their country.

Mo'unga adds if New Zealand do not adapt to that sooner or later, he thinks there will be a drop in the standard of New Zealand rugby.

He insisted that he was not thinking about playing in Japan just yet, and he is fully focused on helping the All Blacks win a record fourth world title in France.

Source: rugby.com.au