Watch: All Black Ardie Savea begins training with Moana Pasifika

“I’ve got massive respect for my Hurricanes family and I loved serving them for 11 years,” Savea said in a statement on July 21. “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 the 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.

“It will be huge to give back to my heritage and my culture in such a meaningful way. My brother Julian has told me that his team was made for us so I can’t wait to get started.

“I know that I’m going to an environment where I am going to learn and grow in areas that I may not have even considered. It will be challenging and rewarding which is really exciting, but above all, I’m really keen to serve and help grow the legacy of Moana Pasifika.”

Savea has been regarded as one of the world’s best players for the last few years, with the No. 8 regularly standing out as one of the All Blacks’ top performers in any Test. Under coach Ian Foster, Savea was particularly impressive during the 2022 and 2023 international seasons.

With the All Blacks going in a new direction under coach Scott ‘Razor’ Robertson this year, some fans wanted to see Savea lead the national team as their captain, but that honour ended up going to Scott Barrett who led the team well.

New Zealand won their first Test of the year in a thriller against Steve Borthwick’s England, with Savea scoring one try in that Test. Savea would also go on to score against Fiji, Argentina, and Australia before the year was done.

Savea started 13 matches under coach Robertson, which included just the sole appearance at openside flanker after an injury to Sam Cane. With Wallace Sititi also emerging as a breakout star in the All Blacks’ backrow, it seems the team is in good hands moving forward.

With a seemingly unwavering sense of determination on the field, which includes reliable work in defence and some damaging output in attack, Savea will be looked at as a key player for Moana Pasifika during the upcoming campaign.

“Ardie has had a remarkable rugby career so far, excelling both in New Zealand and on the international stage. His signing with us speaks to his commitment to his Pacific heritage and a dedication to nurturing the next generation of Pacific players,” Umaga added.

“He brings invaluable skills both on and off the field and as a leader and role model, he is highly respected by his peers and adored by fans.

“As a seasoned and esteemed player, we look forward to the positive impact he will have on the team’s dynamic and success and are very excited to welcome him aboard the Moana Pasifika vaka.”