Richie Mo'unga playing for the All Blacks in the 2023 World Cup final against South Africa. Photo: photosport
This story has been updated to clarify Mo'unga's history playing against the Lions.
Japan-based All Blacks playmaker Richie Mo'unga says he's "very interested" after being invited to play for an Anzac team against the touring British and Irish Lions in Australia.
Japanese media reports say Mo'unga was approached to play in the game by former All Blacks coach Ian Foster, who will take charge of the combined Australia-New Zealand invitation side for the match in Adelaide on July 12.
Mo'unga plays for Japanese club Toshiba Brave Lupus, and told RugbyJP.com he was keen to play in the international match and would ask the club for permission.
"Yes, Foz has spoken to me about the game," the 30-year-old said.
"I'm really interested in playing, it's with my agents now, I'll have to ask Toshiba for permission to play next."
Richie Mo'unga talks to All Blacks players after the first test against England in Dunedin. Photo: Photosport
The last of Mo'unga's 56 tests was the 2023 World Cup final loss to South Africa before he took up a three-year Japanese contract.
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson and New Zealand Rugby have reportedly enquired with the playmaker about ending his contract early but those approaches have reportedly had no success.
Mo'unga said playing in the match at Adelaide Oval would scratch an itch.
"I miss the big test match setting, the big arenas, this will be the closest I'll get to it while I'm in Japan," he said.
Scott Robertson and Richie Mo'unga Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Foster has reportedly approached long-serving All Blacks halfback Aaron Smith - who is playing in Japan after retiring internationally - to play for the Anzac side, along with former Wallabies great Michael Hooper.
Mo'unga faced the Lions in Christchurch during their 2017 New Zealand tour, scoring the Crusaders' only points in that match.
The decorated Crusaders first-five has been a standout performer since joining the Brave Lupus, helping them win the Japan Rugby League One title last year and helping steer them to third place in this season's current standings.
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