Richie Mo'unga to leave New Zealand Rugby in 2014

Fly-half Richie Mo'unga will likely finish his All Blacks career following the next Rugby World Cup after agreeing to join Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo.

The playmaker has signed a three-year deal with the Japanese club from 2024 which will make him ineligible for international selection.

"It's a touchy thing when people are going overseas but you can't hide away from the fact it's life-changing for me and my family," Mo'unga told the New Zealand Herald.

"My job as a father and a husband is to provide for my family and put them first in decisions. That's basically what I´m doing."

Mo'unga is not the first All Black to head to Japan but he is one of the few to commit there long-term, despite being a key player in the New Zealand set-up.

Most have tended to take up a sabbatical while committing their futures to NZR, but the pivot, alongside Shannon Frizell who has also joined Toshiba, have bucked that trend.

The 28-year-old enjoyed another fine year for both club and country, helping the Crusaders to yet another Super Rugby title before ending the season as the All Blacks' first choice fly-half.

He is expected to take that role into the 2023 World Cup in France next year, but that tournament will likely be his last for the national team.

Mo'unga will also depart the Crusaders, who have played a huge role in his development.

"The Crusaders have been my life forever, even before I joined the team it was my life, dreaming of being part of the family," Mo'unga said.

"Looking back at my time with the team since 2015, it makes me so grateful to be part of such a franchise, part of some really awesome memories, some great achievements and great moments, and to just meet some really special people.

"My energy going into this season is no different to any other, I'm here to give my everything. I still want to perform, to do the best for the Crusaders, our members and our fans. There's still a heck of a job to do before I leave."

Mo'unga made his Crusaders debut in 2016 and was the linchpin in the dynasty Scott Robertson built.

He has claimed six Super Rugby titles â- in its various guises â- and will look to add a seventh in 2023 before concentrating on All Blacks matters.

The fly-half has earned 44 New Zealand caps and will hope to reach the half-century mark before he departs for Japan.

Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson said: "If there's one player that continues to leave their mark on this team, that'd be Richie Mo'unga.

"Through his performances in the biggest games, the biggest moments â- he stood up, which Crusaders do. He's a special man, a local boy, pride of the community, and there's no doubt about it â- Richie can play.

"When Richie is on, the team is on. He brings out the best from all the players. For me, he is one of the most influential Super Rugby players ever â- how he plays the game, his ability to score points consistently year after year in those crucial moments.

"The biggest thing for me with Richie is how much he cares about the team and the club, about the players he plays with and the people he plays for. He means a lot to the Crusaders and we wish him all the best. Thereâ™ll be a time to properly say goodbye to him at the end of the season, but for now weâ™re all focused on the job in front of us."