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Ardie Savea signs with Moana Pasifika
By Ben Smith
Reigning World Player of the Year Ardie Savea has signed with Moana Pasifika for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season and beyond.
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As first reported by the NZ Herald, Savea and both clubs confirmed the move this afternoon.
The deal is believed to be a three-year commitment with NZR, maintaining Savea’s eligibility for the All Blacks until the end of 2027.
His switch will see his 11-year stint with the Hurricanes come to an end, where he debuted in 2013 and helped win a Super Rugby title in 2016.
He will re-unite with his brother Julian once again, having played together previously at the Hurricanes and with the All Blacks.
“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.”
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Savea has Samoan heritage and is keen to represent his culture and give back to his roots.
“It will be huge to give back to my heritage and my culture in such a meaningful way,” he said.
“My brother Julian has told me that this team was made for us so I can’t wait to get started.”
Hurricanes CEO Avan Lee praised the impact that Savea has had on the club, and wished him well at his new team.
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“Ardie is a Hurricanes legend and always will be,” Lee said in a statement.
“We are all sad to see him go as he has made a massive contribution to our club. On behalf of everyone associated with the Hurricanes, we all wish him the very best.”
nice one Ardie…Respect…
80% of Moana Pasifika’s roster must be eligible for one of the smaller pacific nations.
This is in line with NZ franchises and their 80% that must be eligible for the all Blacks.
Moana Pasifika are allowed 3 X All Blacks.
Having the best player in the world in their team will help massively. His influence and what experience will lift the entire team.
It’s a great move for everyone.
What is the point of the MP team? NZ can’t support 5 teams let alone 6. Aspirational but flawed idea playing out exactly like sceptics thought. Losing money, not performing, and not helping the PI international teams.
Samoa just beat Italy…made up of a lot of MP players. I think it’s a great initiative, Savea needs to make them competitive so the whole team grows as a result which will have very positive flow on effects for Tonga and Samoa.
Hopefully a few more games in Samoa and hopefully, Tonga in the the years ahead also.
Fiji, Samoa and Tonga growth has so many positives for NZ. If Aussie can get back on track and Japan can figure things out, Pacific rugby is in a great place.
Provide something for the Pacifica community
It is to give Pacific Island players a pathway so that they can play locally without having to relocate to Europe. NZ can support 5 teams - 4 of them are regulars in the finals most years.
MP have beaten some quality sides since their inception. The biggest issue is that they’re not getting crowd support in NZ. They need to move to Tonga/Samoa where they’d get packed stadiums every game.
A massive boost for Moana.
Desperate move made by new zealand. They will be Shambol by boks if they will come with squared they won series with England. They seemed all over the show. England were not good enough to win the series let alone drawing it. They are bad, an isn’t good for rugby. New zealand is no longer benchmark anymore of rugby standard , their decline were so quick and huge within short space of time.
Wisky anyone?
How is it desperate?
Also, England were good enough to beat Ireland four months ago who were good enough to beat the Springboks two weeks ago.
Excellent move.
NZR have done a deal to keep him eligible, interesting. Could we see players playing in Super Rugby eligible even if not playing for one of their country’s SR sides?
MP have always had a maximum of 3 All Blacks policy, Savea is the first to utilise this option.
Can’t see it
That would be helping out the Aussies - why should we?
MP are an NZRU funded team that’s why there is no issue
There’s no logical reason why he shouldn’t be eligible. Moana Pacifica are effectively an NZ based side chosen on heritage. But you’re right, the eligibility requirements get ever fuzzier. Aumua had to move from MP to the Crusaders to become eligible for the ABs. Not that it’s helped him much.
Awesome! Good on him, great for the club and the comp. He knows Canes are in a good place too
Massive !