All Blacks No 8 Ardie Savea leaves Hurricanes to join Moana Pasifika

Sunday, 21 July 2024

Ardie Savea swapping sides after confirming move to Moana Pasifika.

All Blacks star Ardie Savea has signed a three-year deal with Moana Pasifika.

Savea’s signing is a huge coup for Moana, who finished 11th this year.

Savea will reunite with his brother Julian Savea at the Auckland-based Super Rugby Pacific team.

Moana Pasifika have pulled off one of the biggest signings in Super Rugby history by recruiting World Rugby player of the year Ardie Savea.

The All Blacks vice-captain has confirmed he is leaving the Hurricanes after 11 years to join Moana on a three-year contract through to the end of 2027.

All Blacks No 8 Ardie Savea has signed with Moana Pasifika through to 2027.

The deal also means he will remain loyal to NZ Rugby and the All Blacks through to the 2027 World Cup.

Savea said he had “massive respect for my Hurricanes family’’ but wanted to shift to the Auckland-based Super Rugby Pacific franchise next year.

Ardie Savea is leaving the Hurricanes after making his debut for franchise in 2013.

“I’ve got massive respect for my Hurricanes family and I loved serving them for 11 years,” Savea said in a statement.

“But I think it’s the right time for a change and I spent a lot of quiet time with my family thinking about things before making this decision.

“To have this team show the love and support they have for me and my family is special. Knowing that, regardless of anything that might happen, they will look after me and my family – I think that means a lot.’’

Savea made his Super Rugby debut for the Hurricanes in 2013.

Moana Pasifika coach Tana Umaga welcomed the arrival of Ardie Savea.

He was named captain in 2021 but exercised a sabbatical clause in his NZ Rugby contract to play in Japan for the Kobelco Kobe Steelers instead of turning out for the Hurricanes this year.

Savea joins his brother and former All Black, Julian Savea, at Moana Pasifika.

Ardie Savea said he was proud of his Samoan heritage and saw the move north as an opportunity to pay homage to his roots.

“It will be huge to give back to my heritage and my culture in such a meaningful way. My brother Julian has told me that this team was made for us so I can’t wait to get started.”

Moana coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga, himself a former Hurricanes legend, welcomed the arrival of Savea.

The high-profile addition of the All Blacks’ star No. 8 is a statement signing for Moana, who have been the worst-performing team since joining Super Rugby in 2022.

Moana finished 11th this year, a slight improvement after back-to-back last-place finishes.

“Ardie has had a remarkable rugby career so far, excelling both in New Zealand and on the international stage,” Umaga said.

“His signing with us speaks to his commitment to his Pacific heritage and a dedication to nurturing the next generation of Pacific players.

Hurricanes CEO Avan Lee said Ardie Savea would leave behind a “huge legacy’’

“He brings invaluable skills both on and off the field and as a leader and role model, he is highly respected by his peers and adored by fans.

“As a seasoned and esteemed player, we look forward to the positive impact he will have on the team’s dynamic and success and are very excited to welcome him aboard the Moana Pasifika vaka.”

Hurricanes CEO Avan Lee said Savea left with their best wishes.

Savea made 131 appearances for the Hurricanes, was part of the team that won their only title in 2016 and will leave as one of the franchise’s all-time greats.

The Hurricanes appear well-placed to cope with Savea’s departure. Loose forwards Brad Shields, Peter Lakai, Brayden Iose, Du’Plessis Kirifi and Devan Flanders all set to return in 2025.

Lakai and Iose in particular shone in Savea’s absence this year, leading the Hurricanes to a home semifinal.

“Everyone at the Hurricanes is sad to see him go, but ultimately Ardie has made the decision to represent the Pasifika community. We respect him for that,” Lee said.

“Ardie is leaving behind a huge legacy for our younger players and future generations of Hurricanes to come. He’s been one of the most influential players in Hurricanes history, and has played a role in helping the club develop the depth of quality loose forwards that we now possess.

“We want to sincerely thank Ardie for his fantastic service to the club and to the fans. He’s off to do something really special for his community now, and we wish him, Saskia and the kids well on their move.”