Mo’unga to tackle Lions Down Under?

New Zealand flyhalf Ritchie Mo’unga has been invited by former All Blacks head coach Ian Foster to represent the ANZAC team against the British & Irish Lions.

Mo’unga confirmed to RugbyJP.com Foster’s approach about participating in the fixture, scheduled for Adelaide Oval on 12 July.

The ANZAC team, coached by Foster, is set to feature several Japan-based stars including Aaron Smith and Michael Hooper against Andy Farrell’s touring Lions.

The Lions’ tour to Australia features three Tests against the Wallabies in Brisbane (19 July), Melbourne (26 July) and Sydney (2 August).

“Yes, Foz has spoken to me about the game,” Toshiba Brave Lupus star Mo’unga told RugbyJP.com. “I’m really interested in playing, it’s with my agents now.”

The 30-year-old playmaker, who last represented New Zealand in the 2023 World Cup final, expressed excitement about returning to the international stage.

“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,” added Mo’unga, who has scored nine tries this season for playoff-bound Brave Lupus.

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