In the wake of Moana Pasifika's unfortunate dissolution from Super Rugby Pacific, the rugby community is abuzz with speculation about the future of All Blacks luminary Ardie Savea. Hurricanes' head coach Clark Laidlaw expressed a sentiment of premature consideration regarding Savea's potential move to their team, emphasizing the sensitivity needed during such a tumultuous time.
"It's way too soon. We haven’t even thought about it. 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 shared with reporters. The Hurricanes, where Savea spent a significant part of his career, appear a natural choice for his return, yet the timing and approach must be tactful.
"It’s just sad, isn’t it? I worked for a club in the UK that ended up like that and I’ve been in a team that got relegated out of the Premiership and people lose their jobs and it’s pretty heartbreaking," Laidlaw added.
Savea is currently on sabbatical in Japan, playing with the Kobelco Kobe Steelers, but with his contract with New Zealand Rugby running until the end of 2027, his next move is pivotal especially with the Rugby World Cup looming. A return to a New Zealand franchise seems likely, though another stint in Japan cannot be ruled out. His leadership and prowess on the field make him a highly sought-after player, and it's probable that other Super Rugby teams in New Zealand will express their interest.
The disbanding of Moana Pasifika is a poignant chapter for Savea, who had been reveling in his role and delivering some of his best performances domestically. Laidlaw, having experienced similar situations in his career, empathizes deeply with those affected. "The cost of living and the way the world is at the moment, it’s really difficult to stay financially stable even as families let alone professional rugby teams," he remarked, reflecting on the broader challenges faced by professional sports teams in maintaining financial health.
As the rugby world watches and waits, the story of Ardie Savea's next chapter remains a compelling narrative of resilience and adaptation in professional sports. Whatever his decision, it will significantly impact not just the player but the teams and communities he has been a part of.
349 posts
In the wake of Moana Pasifika's unfortunate dissolution from Super Rugby Pacific, the rugby community is abuzz with speculation about the future of All Blacks luminary Ardie Savea. Hurricanes' head coach Clark Laidlaw expressed a sentiment of premature consideration regarding Savea's potential move to their team, emphasizing the sensitivity needed during such a tumultuous time.
"It's way too soon. We haven’t even thought about it. 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 shared with reporters. The Hurricanes, where Savea spent a significant part of his career, appear a natural choice for his return, yet the timing and approach must be tactful.
"It’s just sad, isn’t it? I worked for a club in the UK that ended up like that and I’ve been in a team that got relegated out of the Premiership and people lose their jobs and it’s pretty heartbreaking," Laidlaw added.
Savea is currently on sabbatical in Japan, playing with the Kobelco Kobe Steelers, but with his contract with New Zealand Rugby running until the end of 2027, his next move is pivotal especially with the Rugby World Cup looming. A return to a New Zealand franchise seems likely, though another stint in Japan cannot be ruled out. His leadership and prowess on the field make him a highly sought-after player, and it's probable that other Super Rugby teams in New Zealand will express their interest.
The disbanding of Moana Pasifika is a poignant chapter for Savea, who had been reveling in his role and delivering some of his best performances domestically. Laidlaw, having experienced similar situations in his career, empathizes deeply with those affected. "The cost of living and the way the world is at the moment, it’s really difficult to stay financially stable even as families let alone professional rugby teams," he remarked, reflecting on the broader challenges faced by professional sports teams in maintaining financial health.
As the rugby world watches and waits, the story of Ardie Savea's next chapter remains a compelling narrative of resilience and adaptation in professional sports. Whatever his decision, it will significantly impact not just the player but the teams and communities he has been a part of.