All Blacks first-five Richie Mo'unga has no second thoughts over his move to Japan from next year, despite Crusaders coach Scott Robertson's ascension to the country's biggest job.
From next year, 28-year-old Mo'unga will take up a three-year deal to swap New Zealand for Japan, signing on with Toshiba Brave Lupus.
The move in combination with New Zealand Rugby's selection policy will end Mo'unga's chances of turning out for Robertson. Currently, the All Blacks only select local-based players as an incentive to keep the best talent playing in Super Rugby.
But while Mo'unga signed to move to Japan before Robertson was named All Blacks coach earlier this week, the news of his appointment doesn't leave any second thinking over his decision to leave.
For the man himself though, there's no regrets over potentially ending his All Blacks career prematurely, in order to experience what another league and another culture have to offer.
"I'm going for more reasons than just footy or who's head coach," said Mo'unga. "I'm going as a father now, to provide for my family and take on a new challenge - that I think my family is ready for in Japan.
"You have the 'would've' or 'could've', but I'm just really proud of Razor and his achievement.
"People that know Razor know that he'll do an awesome job with the All Blacks."
Regardless, Mo'unga and Robertson will get one last crack at silverware to end the 2023 Super Rugby season.
Since their respective Crusaders debuts in 2017, the pair have known nothing but success, winning six titles in six years.
In fact, Mo'unga's relationship with his coach dates back even further, having worked together with Canterbury in the NPC, where success was also enjoyed.
"I do have a special relationship with him, we've spent a lot of years together," he continued.
"He's never stopped believing in me, told me that I'm the man for the job, regardless of performances.
"That belief goes both ways, I believe in him and his abilities as a head coach.
"We've been through the ups and downs together. We've lost games and won games, so I know the respect is there in what we do for each other.
"I'm really happy for him."
Mo'unga also denied the saga over Robertson's appointment has been a distraction, despite the Crusaders' poor start to the season.
So far this year, the reigning champions boast a 2-2 record, sitting fifth on the ladder after the opening rounds.
Defeats to the Chiefs and Fijian Drua have left the Crusaders looking upwards, even after last weekend's victory against the Blues.
Moving to appoint the All Blacks' head coach so early has been criticised at some levels, with the move traditionally saved for after the Rugby World Cup.
But New Zealand Rugby have gone early in 2023, to allow clarity at all levels before this year's tournament in France.
"For me, it didn't make a difference whether it came out last week or in five months' time," added Mo'unga.
"I'm really focussed on what my role is at the Crusaders, that gives me the best chance to be selected in the All Blacks' team for the World Cup.
"We're in an environment where everyone's professional about that. Everyone knows they have a job to do.
"It's awesome for Razor and his team for next year, but we all know we have a pretty big job to do this year."
