Richie Mo'unga has been recalled to the All Blacks after a three-year absence as an injury replacement on the so-called "Greatest Rivalry" rugby tour of South Africa.
The 32-year-old flyhalf last played international rugby at the 2023 World Cup. He spent three seasons at Japanese club Toshiba Brave Lupus before returning to New Zealand this year and playing for Canterbury in the National Provincial Championship.
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Mo'unga wasn't eligible to be chosen by the All Blacks until he had played in the NPC, returning from Canterbury towards the start of the month.
He left Christchurch on Thursday to join the All Blacks on the tour, which involves four Tests against the Springboks - three in South Africa and one in the United States.
His recall follows a shoulder injury to centre Billy Proctor, ruling him out of the tour.
Damian McKenzie, one of four flyhalves in the New Zealand touring squad, also has a minor ankle 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. 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," Head Coach Dave Rennie said.
"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 played the most recent of his 56 Tests in the 2023 World Cup final against South Africa, which the Springboks won by one point.
The All Blacks have started the tour with two wins over South African provinces, opening with a 38-21 win over the Stormers in Cape Town, and following with a 54-0 whipping of the Sharks in Durban.
