Ardie Savea ends speculation by revealing ‘last dance’ move

All Blacks captain Ardie Savea has ended months of speculation about his career, confirming his “last dance” in Super Rugby Pacific will be with the Blues. Savea teased the announcement for about 40 minutes on a YouTube livestream, before making the move official on Instagram.

Savea played more than 130 Super Rugby matches for the Hurricanes before heading overseas to Japan with the Kobe Kobelco Steelers. The backrower returned to Super Rugby Pacific in 2025 with Moana Pasifika and was named the competition’s Player of the Year.

Another Japan Rugby League One campaign followed, helping Kobe take out the JRLO title while playing under now All BLacks coach Dave Rennie. But with Moana Pasifika no longer part of Super Rugby Pacific, where Savea lands next has been a hot topic of discussion.

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Savea has been teasing a move on social media, sharing a video on September 24 which included a shot of an airport departure board. It’s been widely reported the loose forward was set to join the Blues for next season, and now it’s offical: the rumours are true.

“Just go jump on Instagram, go see where I’ve signed, and then come back on the chat and let me know what you think,” Savea said on the livestream.

Savea wore a Highlanders jersey at one stage during the stream, and called brother Julian later on with a Hurricanes shirt on. “Never go back to your ex,” Julian said, about 10 minutes before Ardie donned a Blues jersey for the first time.

“I’ve signed with the Blues for 2027 next year,” Savea added. “And you know what, did you guys read my caption the ‘last dance’?

“The reason why I had the last dance is because it’s going to be my last Super Rugby team that I’m going to play for in New Zealand, so hence why it’s called the last dance.

“Moana obviously not in the comp and shoutout to my brothers at Moana… really blessed to have the Blues beside me. Can’t wait.”

It’s been a big day of signing in New Zealand, with All Blacks backrower Semisi Ta’eiloa inking a deal with defending champions the Hurricanes. Ta’eiloa has signed for two years, as the Canes look to defend their title next season.

“It’s great that Semisi is joining us on a two-year deal. He’s got a lot of potential having already played for a couple of years in Super Rugby Pacific,” Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw said.

“The first time I saw him play was when he was in South Africa with the New Zealand U19 side three or four years ago. His destructive power both in the tackle and in the ball-carry was obvious.

“To be selected by the All Blacks to go to South Africa this year shows what potential he’s got. We really look forward to working with him and helping him fulfil that potential over the next few years. He’s only 22, and his game is going to develop and grow.

“He’s someone who has already played Super Rugby at such a high level and played so well at such a young age, and will complement the guys we’ve already got.

“It’s hugely exciting to have him here for pre-season to start growing his game and getting him to understand how we want to play the game, and we can’t wait to welcome him to the club.”