Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
NZ NZ

Parking 'The Bus': Former All Blacks star Julian Savea reveals plans for future in New Zealand rugby

By Online Editors
(Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)

NZ Herald: Former All Black Julian Savea is hoping his short stay with the Hurricanes to round out Super Rugby Aotearoa turns into a permanent opportunity.

ADVERTISEMENT

Savea has joined his Hurricanes teammates in camp, following his return to the franchise. The last time the man nicknamed ‘The Bus’ played for them was in the 2018 semi-final against the Crusaders.

He spent the last two European rugby seasons with Toulon in the French Top 14, before departing in March.

Video Spacer

SamSmith returns to the heart of Chiefs country

Video Spacer

SamSmith returns to the heart of Chiefs country

Savea says he initially reached out to the Canes when returning to New Zealand, who hold a special place in his heart having spent his entire provincial career in Wellington.

“I would love to [stay], but it’s out of my hands at the moment,” he said.

“Whatever happens happens. But I’m just going to be as helpful as I can for the team and be my best.”

The Hurricanes have two games remaining in the competition and, while incredibly unlikely, still have a chance at winning the title.

Savea’s match fitness will take some time to return to his powerful best, having not played a professional game in five months. But asked if he believes he could play as soon as this coming weekend, he did not hold back.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Of course, 100 percent I’ll be keen as. Just to jump in with the boys and be back with some familiar faces to catchup has been pretty awesome so far.

“Still a long journey to get to that point. I’ll make the most of it.”

Should he fail to see any action, Savea expects to see plenty on the club rugby scene.

The Mitre 10 Cup starts next month as well, and a chance, whether with his former Wellington or another outfit, looks on the cards.

“I’m sorting through that at the moment. Where I’ll end up I’m not too sure,” he says.

Savea and his family’s decision to return to New Zealand turned out to be an easy one with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sport in Europe.

ADVERTISEMENT

Savea says long-term they want to stay here.

If the Hurricanes do not snap up the 29-year-old beyond this year, he could turn to another domestic suitor who is keen to snag his signature. Savea admits he was open to any playing opportunity when coming home.

His 2019-20 season with Toulon was cut short when play was suspended following the final match of week 17 on March 1. It brought a tumultuous stint at the club to an end, which was highlighted by president Mourad Boudjellal openly criticising Savea.

He has been able to enjoy a lengthy break while staying in Auckland.

“Probably the longest break I’ve ever had. Spending time with the family’s been awesome,” he said.

So far Savea has taken part in club rugby trainings and elected to take things slowly to avoid injuring himself.

Savea’s addition plugs a hole on the left wing following the departure of Ben Lam, who has joined French club Bordeaux. Savea’s strong running game will ideally make-up for the loss of Ngani Laumape, who is out for the rest of the competition with a broken forearm.

The Hurricanes round out their season against the Chiefs at home and Highlanders away.

ADVERTISEMENT

Join free

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | Episode 6

Sam Warburton | The Big Jim Show | Full Episode

Japan Rugby League One | Sungoliath v Eagles | Full Match Replay

Japan Rugby League One | Spears v Wild Knights | Full Match Replay

Boks Office | Episode 10 | Six Nations Final Round Review

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | How can New Zealand rugby beat this Ireland team

Beyond 80 | Episode 5

Rugby Europe Men's Championship Final | Georgia v Portugal | Full Match Replay

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

T
Trevor 1 hours ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

21 Go to comments
B
Bull Shark 5 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

29 Go to comments
TRENDING
TRENDING 'It's an All Black discussion': The pair of young Hurricanes tipped for black jerseys The pair of young Hurricanes tipped for black jerseys
Search