With Moana Pasifika's impending exit from Super Rugby Pacific at the conclusion of the 2026 season, All Blacks standout Ardie Savea is on the hunt for a new club. Currently on sabbatical in Japan, Savea's planned return for the 2027 season is now off the table, sparking speculation about his future club affiliations.
Savea's history with the Hurricanes is notable, having spent a decade in Wellington and securing a Super Rugby title in 2016. His family's base in the capital is a significant factor in his decision-making process. Despite the Hurricanes' current abundance of loose forwards—including Du’Plessis Kirifi, Peter Lakai, Brayden Iose, and Brad Shields, along with upcoming talent Devan Flanders—the team appears eager to welcome Savea back, finances and roster space permitting.
"He’s definitely thinking, does he stay or does he go. I’m sure he’s got interest both here, with higher honours and certainly from us, and overseas,"
said Hurricanes' manager Clark Laidlaw.
The Blues emerge as another potential suitor, especially considering Savea's stint in Auckland with Moana Pasifika during the 2025 campaign. The departure of Dalton Papali’i and Hoskins Sotutu at season's end could open a spot for Savea, though this move would require some sacrifices, particularly concerning his family's location.
While the New Zealand franchises remain in contention, particularly with the Rugby World Cup on the horizon, Savea's short-term contract in Japan could also extend, mirroring his current sabbatical arrangement. His prior engagements with Kobelco Kobe Steelers suggest a comfort with the league, making a third stint in Japan a plausible scenario.
The possibility of Savea ending his World Cup aspirations to secure a long-term contract abroad also looms. Despite his expressed discontent with the national team setup in recent years, New Zealand Rugby has shown a desire to retain him at least until the end of the 2027 World Cup. However, if an agreement is not reached, the dissolution of Moana Pasifika may expedite his departure.
While Europe and Japan present lucrative opportunities, the allure of playing in France or for a top club like Leinster, which can leverage the English Premiership's marquee rule, cannot be underestimated. As the rugby world watches, Savea's next move will undoubtedly influence the dynamics of both his career and the teams vying for his exceptional talent.
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With Moana Pasifika's impending exit from Super Rugby Pacific at the conclusion of the 2026 season, All Blacks standout Ardie Savea is on the hunt for a new club. Currently on sabbatical in Japan, Savea's planned return for the 2027 season is now off the table, sparking speculation about his future club affiliations.
Savea's history with the Hurricanes is notable, having spent a decade in Wellington and securing a Super Rugby title in 2016. His family's base in the capital is a significant factor in his decision-making process. Despite the Hurricanes' current abundance of loose forwards—including Du’Plessis Kirifi, Peter Lakai, Brayden Iose, and Brad Shields, along with upcoming talent Devan Flanders—the team appears eager to welcome Savea back, finances and roster space permitting.
"He’s definitely thinking, does he stay or does he go. I’m sure he’s got interest both here, with higher honours and certainly from us, and overseas,"
said Hurricanes' manager Clark Laidlaw.The Blues emerge as another potential suitor, especially considering Savea's stint in Auckland with Moana Pasifika during the 2025 campaign. The departure of Dalton Papali’i and Hoskins Sotutu at season's end could open a spot for Savea, though this move would require some sacrifices, particularly concerning his family's location.
While the New Zealand franchises remain in contention, particularly with the Rugby World Cup on the horizon, Savea's short-term contract in Japan could also extend, mirroring his current sabbatical arrangement. His prior engagements with Kobelco Kobe Steelers suggest a comfort with the league, making a third stint in Japan a plausible scenario.
The possibility of Savea ending his World Cup aspirations to secure a long-term contract abroad also looms. Despite his expressed discontent with the national team setup in recent years, New Zealand Rugby has shown a desire to retain him at least until the end of the 2027 World Cup. However, if an agreement is not reached, the dissolution of Moana Pasifika may expedite his departure.
While Europe and Japan present lucrative opportunities, the allure of playing in France or for a top club like Leinster, which can leverage the English Premiership's marquee rule, cannot be underestimated. As the rugby world watches, Savea's next move will undoubtedly influence the dynamics of both his career and the teams vying for his exceptional talent.