Richie Mo’unga joins All Blacks squad after Billy Proctor injury

Richie Mo’unga is travelling to South Africa to join the New Zealand squad for the Greatest Rivalry Series against the Springboks after Billy Proctor was ruled out with a shoulder injury.

Mo’unga has been called up as Proctor’s replacement after the centre suffered the injury during the All Blacks’ match against the Stormers. Proctor is expected to be unavailable for up to three months.

The 31-year-old fly-half was not initially eligible for selection when New Zealand head coach Dave Rennie announced his touring squad. At that stage, Mo’unga was playing in Japan, while Rennie had selected only players based in New Zealand.

Mo’unga has since played in the NPC, meaning he now meets the criteria for selection and can join the All Blacks squad.

Rennie confirmed the decision after naming Mo’unga as Proctor’s replacement, but said the fly-half would need to quickly familiarise himself with the team’s approach before being considered for action.

“Richie is the obvious choice as a replacement. His job now is to get in and learn our systems, get his head around the detail and earn the right to play.”

Mo’unga is expected to link up with the squad on Friday. The All Blacks are due to face the Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday, leaving him with limited time to prepare alongside his new team-mates.

His return provides New Zealand with an experienced option at fly-half for the series against South Africa, although Rennie made clear that Mo’unga must first understand the team’s systems and tactical detail before earning an opportunity to play.

Rennie also expressed his sympathy for Proctor, who had enjoyed a strong season before suffering the shoulder injury.

“We really feel for Billy. He has had a great season, so this is frustrating for him. It is the harsh reality of our game,” said Rennie.

“We wish him all the best with his recovery and hope to see him fit and well in time for the end-of-year tour selection.”

The injury means Proctor will miss a significant part of the season, with his recovery expected to keep him out for as long as three months. His absence has prompted the All Blacks to turn to Mo’unga, who was unavailable when the original squad was selected because of his club commitments in Japan.

The call-up comes as New Zealand prepare for the latest instalment of their rivalry with the Springboks. Mo’unga’s immediate task will be to join the squad, absorb Rennie’s systems and compete for selection ahead of the All Blacks’ upcoming fixtures.

New Zealand are also due to play the Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday, one day after Mo’unga is expected to arrive in South Africa.