Scott Robertson has added Shannon Frizell’s name to his New Zealand Rugby wish list as the new head coach looks to strengthen his options for the next four-year cycle.
Last week, New Zealand national team general manager Chris Lendrum revealed he would like to bring Richie Mo’unga back to the country.
Mo’unga signed a three-year contract in Japan after the Rugby World Cup, leaving the All Blacks without a key playmaker for the next few years.
There were even suggestions that the 29-year-old could have ended his Test career by signing a long-term deal with Toshiba Brave Lupus, but Lendrum wants to change that.
Talking with Mr Mo’unga
He has indicated that he is seeking an early release from his contract, which, if agreed, would be a big boost for the national team.
According to Robertson, Frizell is also someone they “hope” to have back, with the former Highlander becoming a key cog in the All Blacks’ back-row in 2023.
“He (Frizell) is obviously still at his peak and can still play some great rugby,” the head coach said. “We have been monitoring him from afar and watching him in Japan.
“Do we want him back? Of course we do. It gives us depth at loose forward, so we’ll see.”
As for Mo’unga, Robertson echoed Lendrum’s sentiments about respecting the fly-half’s current contract situation, but there is no doubt the All Blacks manager would be delighted to have him back in the playmaker.
“My job is to get the best players for the All Blacks,” Robertson said. “I’m not going to talk about individual players, but my role is to get the best All Blacks available to take to the field for our country.
“It’s clear that what’s going on behind the scenes, especially when it comes to hiring, has to be really professional. Really, that’s all I can say to that.”
‘It’s no secret’ – New Zealand Rugby confirm talks for early return of Richie Mo’unga to All Blacks jersey
Frizzell’s exit
Mo’unga’s departure after the World Cup was a disappointment for New Zealand rugby, but perhaps Frizell’s watchword for leaving was ‘frustration’.
The flanker’s current situation remains unclear, but forwards coach Jason Ryan has previously been outspoken about his treatment.
“I think I could have done better, to be honest,” Ryan said in 2023.
“Shannon didn’t really want to go. So there are some things going on behind the scenes that sometimes make me wonder if we could work out the contract thing a little better.
“He was at a stage where… something was thrown in front of him and he probably didn’t know all the facts. I’m a big fan of Shannon. We have a good test ahead of us.”
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