Former All Blacks first-five Richie Mo'unga is heading home.

Mo'unga has signed with New Zealand Rugby, the Crusaders and Canterbury for 18 months from July 2026 to December 2027, putting him in the selection frame for the All Blacks for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

The 31-year-old, who has played 56 tests since making his All Blacks debut in 2017, will play for the Crusaders for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season and Canterbury for the 2026 and 2027 NPC seasons.

He will be available for All Blacks selection from October 2026.

Mo'unga could battle it out with the likes of Beauden Barrett for the All Blacks first-five jersey. Photo: John Davidson / www.photosport.nz

Mo'unga was a key player of the side for a number of years and played a pivotal role in the All Blacks run to the 2023 World Cup final in France, which they lost by just one point to South Africa.

He moved to Japan in 2024 to play for Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo.

"The Crusaders have always been a huge part of my life - not just as a player, but as a person," Mo'unga said.

"I can't wait to return in 2027 and continue to build on the legacy of the franchise. I'm really looking forward to reconnecting with the fans and contributing to the environment both on and off the field."

Mo'unga still has one more season in Japan before returns to Aotearoa.

"I've grown a lot during my time in Japan with Toshiba, both on and off the field. It's been an incredible experience with my family that I'll always be grateful for, and I'm really excited for one more season with them," he said.

Mo'unga has played 109 games for the Crusaders and head coach Rob Penney said his homecoming is a massive boost for the champions.

"Richie's connection to this club runs deep and he is a great Crusader man. We're really blessed with the talent that we have in the Crusaders and having Richie back will not only enhance the team and have a positive influence over the group, but it will also ensure his legacy lives on long after he has departed."

Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge said Mo'unga will improve the team.

"The word care is thrown around a lot in this place, but the care Richie has for this club and this team is second to none. He has this gift of bringing out the best in those around him and we can't wait to have him back here in 2027."