Following the unfortunate dissolution of Moana Pasifika, the rugby community has been buzzing with speculation about the future club of All Blacks standout, Ardie Savea. Previously aligned with Moana and recently engaged in a sabbatical with the Kobelco Kobe Steelers in Japan, Savea's next move within the Super Rugby Pacific sphere is highly anticipated.
Savea, a seasoned campaigner for the All Blacks and contracted with New Zealand Rugby until the post-2027 Rugby World Cup, faces a pivotal career decision. With a third sabbatical to Japan appearing unlikely, attention has turned to his potential landing spots for the upcoming season. The Auckland Blues have been pinpointed as a probable favorite for acquiring Savea's talents. The city not only aligns with his personal life, supporting his family and business ventures, including his clothing brand 'Asav', but also positions him strategically within New Zealand's rugby stronghold.
The Blues' interest in Savea is timely. With key players like Dalton Papali’i and Hoskins Sotutu exiting, the team is on the lookout for a formidable back-rower to bolster their ranks. The financial prowess and accommodation capabilities of the Blues make them a compelling option for Savea, who has expressed a desire to balance his professional commitments with family time—a sentiment that almost led him to step down from the All Blacks last year.
"It’s way too soon. We haven’t even thought about it,"
Meanwhile, the Hurricanes, another potential suitor, seem more reserved in their approach. Clark Laidlaw, the Hurricanes' coach, emphasized the prematurity of such discussions, especially with current competitions underway. "We’re preparing for the Chiefs and it probably feels a wee bit insensitive, almost, thinking about their players in such a short period of time," Laidlaw remarked, acknowledging the rich pool of talent likely to emerge from Moana Pasifika's closure.
While a return to the Hurricanes would mean Savea could be closer to his family in Wellington, the squad currently boasts a robust lineup of loose forwards, making immediate opportunities less likely. Notwithstanding, the Hurricanes' leadership acknowledges the dynamic shifts in player placements that such team dissolutions bring, hinting at potential future considerations.
As the rugby world watches closely, Savea’s decision will undoubtedly resonate through the Super Rugby Pacific landscape, influenced by both personal aspirations and professional opportunities. His choice will not only reflect his immediate career path but also set the tone for how elite players may navigate the complexities of modern rugby careers.
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Following the unfortunate dissolution of Moana Pasifika, the rugby community has been buzzing with speculation about the future club of All Blacks standout, Ardie Savea. Previously aligned with Moana and recently engaged in a sabbatical with the Kobelco Kobe Steelers in Japan, Savea's next move within the Super Rugby Pacific sphere is highly anticipated.
Savea, a seasoned campaigner for the All Blacks and contracted with New Zealand Rugby until the post-2027 Rugby World Cup, faces a pivotal career decision. With a third sabbatical to Japan appearing unlikely, attention has turned to his potential landing spots for the upcoming season. The Auckland Blues have been pinpointed as a probable favorite for acquiring Savea's talents. The city not only aligns with his personal life, supporting his family and business ventures, including his clothing brand 'Asav', but also positions him strategically within New Zealand's rugby stronghold.
The Blues' interest in Savea is timely. With key players like Dalton Papali’i and Hoskins Sotutu exiting, the team is on the lookout for a formidable back-rower to bolster their ranks. The financial prowess and accommodation capabilities of the Blues make them a compelling option for Savea, who has expressed a desire to balance his professional commitments with family time—a sentiment that almost led him to step down from the All Blacks last year.
"It’s way too soon. We haven’t even thought about it,"
Meanwhile, the Hurricanes, another potential suitor, seem more reserved in their approach. Clark Laidlaw, the Hurricanes' coach, emphasized the prematurity of such discussions, especially with current competitions underway. "We’re preparing for the Chiefs and it probably feels a wee bit insensitive, almost, thinking about their players in such a short period of time," Laidlaw remarked, acknowledging the rich pool of talent likely to emerge from Moana Pasifika's closure.
While a return to the Hurricanes would mean Savea could be closer to his family in Wellington, the squad currently boasts a robust lineup of loose forwards, making immediate opportunities less likely. Notwithstanding, the Hurricanes' leadership acknowledges the dynamic shifts in player placements that such team dissolutions bring, hinting at potential future considerations.
As the rugby world watches closely, Savea’s decision will undoubtedly resonate through the Super Rugby Pacific landscape, influenced by both personal aspirations and professional opportunities. His choice will not only reflect his immediate career path but also set the tone for how elite players may navigate the complexities of modern rugby careers.