Richie Mo’unga has opened up on the main differences between playing in New Zealand compared to Japan after finding a “true love for the game”.
The All Blacks fly-half left New Zealand after the 2023 Rugby World Cup to join Japan Rugby League One club Toshiba Brave Lupus.
He made an immediate impact guiding the Todd Blackadder-coached side to the title during his first season at the club and currently leads the standings in 2024/25.
Playing in Japan
In an interview with Sky Sports NZ, Mo’unga revealed the main differences between playing in New Zealand and in Japan after he turned down the advances of NZ Rugby to see out his contract with Toshiba, which expires in 2026.
The 30-year-old emphatically stated that he wants to play in another Rugby World Cup, and by the time 2027 rolls around, he may well be doing so in a Tonga jersey if he wishes.
While he did not detail which jersey he would like to pull on in Australia, he did reveal why he enjoys playing in Japan.
“There are numerous differences, one is that the games are either at 12pm or 2pm, and there’s no 7pm games so you wake up you’re straight into the game and then you’re home for dinner with the family – like it’s really cool,” he said.
“Then obviously the game is of rugby itself, the tempo is really quick here. One of the reasons is that defence can be optional sometimes.”
The All Blacks pivot has also been impressed by the mindset of the Japanese people and their rugby supporters, detailing how they compare to New Zealand fans and media, who are much harsher.
“I don’t have a bad word to say about them [Japanese fans]. The people themselves are truly special, respectful and really well-mannered,” he said.
“The fans here are so cool and respectful of you and your time and I guess your surroundings or people you’re with your family but the thing I love about them the most is that they’re just true supporters.
“They are passionate about the sport, they love great rugby and win or lose, they’re going to turn up the week after.”
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A real love for the game
Reporter Tim Provise added: “They’re there because they support the product not the result, that must be pretty cool.”
Mo’unga replied: “Yes, it’s quite refreshing like obviously, we come from a country that sometimes it is hard to please and you can be ridiculed for a dropped ball or media releases come quickly after a game but here it’s so refreshing you’re in your own little bubble playing on another planet and no one really cares. They come watch the game, cheer and after the game that’s it.
“That’s the beauty of being away from home you just doing your own thing, you’re not worried about who’s who.”
Mo’unga’s stint in Japan has rekindled his love for the game as he can play with less freedom and is able to help develop the talent in Japan.
“I found like a real true love for the game coming back to Japan and the satisfaction it gives me,” he added.
“I wasn’t someone over here trying to prove something, I guess I’m more in a giving phase where I want to help develop players, I want to help develop coaches and develop a team and see people be the best of themselves.”
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Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/richie-mounga-reveals-the-beauty-of-being-away-from-new-zealand
