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Bombshell report links Ardie Savea to Leinster
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Bombshell report links Ardie Savea to Leinster
By Josh Raisey
Leinster have emerged as a possible destination for All Blacks back-row Ardie Savea, according to a report in The New Zealand Herald.
The report reveals that multiple sources have confirmed the 108-cap All Black is “exploring discussions” to remain in Japan with his current club, the Kobelco Kobe Steelers, beyond this season.
Alternatively, he is looking at a possible move to Europe for the first time in his career, with Leinster listed as the frontrunners to sign the 2023 World Rugby player of the year.
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This has surfaced following the All Blacks’ internal review of an unsuccessful Grand Slam tour, which saw them fall to England 33-19 at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium.
Savea is contracted with New Zealand Rugby until 2027, and he is expected to return when the Japanese season concludes in June, as he did after the 2023/24 Japan Rugby League One season. The current plan is to return to Moana Pasifika for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season, with the World Cup later that year, but a potential move could jeopardise his participation in both tournaments.
In the short term, these rumours cast Savea’s availability for the four-Test ‘Greatest Rivalry’ series with South Africa into doubt later this year.
The move from New Zealand to Leinster has become a well-trodden path in recent years, proving to be a popular sabbatical destination among All Blacks.
Jordie Barrett spent six months with the Irish giants last season before returning home – a move that is being replicated by Rieko Ioane this season.
A back-row of Savea, Caelan Doris and Josh van der Flier would be the envy of every other team in Europe, and would only strengthen the reigning United Rugby Championship winners, albeit Leinster are set to lose Ioane at the end of the current campaign.
For now, Savea will be focused on the fixture with Blacks Rams Tokyo this weekend, where he will likely face his former All Blacks team-mate Mark Tele’a.
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