Former Crusader and All Blacks player Richie Mo'unga has signed a three year deal with Japanese rugby club Toshiba, starting in 2024.

Richie Mo'unga will finish out the 2023 season, but Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge says that he's been wanting to make the move to Japan for a while before the deal was officially confirmed.

Colin Mansbridge also says that many former Crusaders, including Matt Todd, Tom Taylor, Seta Tamanivalu and Jack Stratton have been drawn to Japan following their run on the team.

"We set ourselves as a development-based organisation, so you're always going to try and grow people and see them kick on, and hopefully have someone else coming through to fill their space and do their bit for the club as well. That's the mindset of the place."

LISTEN ABOVE

• All Blacks star commits to 2023 World Cup campaign
• Richie Mo'unga: Refreshing to play different teams