'Not to be' - Richie Mo'unga farewells Japan after winning streak ends

Richie Mo'unga has farewelled Japanese rugby after his club's winning streak came to an end, closing a successful chapter overseas.

The first five-eighth's move to Japan was one of the more significant departures from New Zealand rugby in recent seasons, and his form there did little to quiet debate about the All Blacks' playmaking depth.

Speaking after the loss, Mo'unga said the result was simply not to be, but reflected warmly on the club, the competition and the supporters who backed him through the run.

His time in Japan brought silverware, consistent goal-kicking and the kind of controlled game management that made him a fixture at Super Rugby and test level.

Attention now turns to what comes next, with New Zealand supporters watching closely for any signal about a return to the black jersey.